Abstract
We explore the possibility that chemical feedback and autocatalysis in oscillating chemical reactions could amplify weak magnetic field effects on the rate constant of one of the constituent reactions, assumed to proceed via a radical pair mechanism. Using the Brusselator model oscillator, we find that the amplitude of limit cycle oscillations in the concentrations of reaction intermediates can be extraordinarily sensitive to minute changes in the rate constant of the initiation step. The relevance of such amplification to biological effects of 50/60 Hz electromagnetic fields is discussed.
Highlights
We explore the possibility that chemical feedback and autocatalysis in oscillating chemical reactions could amplify weak magnetic field effects on the rate constant of one of the constituent reactions, assumed to proceed via a radical pair mechanism
In 1996, Eichwald and Wallaczek[20] appeared to answer this question with the claim that chemical amplification could arise in the Michaelis–Menton (MM) model of enzyme kinetics if one of the three reaction steps were to proceed via a radical pair intermediate
Our study of chemical amplification of weak magnetic field effects uses the model developed by Prigogine and Lefever in 1 96824 in which reactants A and B are converted to products D and E via intermediate species X and Y in four interlinked reaction steps, the second of which is autocatalytic: A −→ k1 X
Summary
We explore the possibility that chemical feedback and autocatalysis in oscillating chemical reactions could amplify weak magnetic field effects on the rate constant of one of the constituent reactions, assumed to proceed via a radical pair mechanism. Our study of chemical amplification of weak magnetic field effects uses the model developed by Prigogine and Lefever in 1 96824 in which reactants A and B are converted to products D and E via intermediate species X and Y in four interlinked reaction steps, the second of which is autocatalytic: A −→ k1 X
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
