Quantum biology - photosynthesis

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of quantum theory to biological processes, specifically focusing on photosynthesis and its efficiency. Participants explore the implications of quantum effects in biological systems, particularly in relation to chemical engineering and the understanding of mutations in DNA.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in understanding a specific paper on quantum biology and seeks clarification on its concepts.
  • Another participant suggests that providing specific points of confusion would lead to more helpful responses.
  • A participant mentions their intention to apply the ideas from the paper to their thesis and seeks to connect with knowledgeable individuals in the field.
  • It is proposed that the efficiency of energy transfers in photosynthesis necessitates explanations grounded in quantum theory.
  • A claim is made that quantum effects should be prevalent at the scale of DNA alleles, with a mention of the potential implications of mutations leading to cancer.
  • A question is raised regarding whether some cancers might arise in a manner analogous to the Schrödinger's cat thought experiment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretations of quantum effects in biology, and multiple viewpoints regarding the implications of these effects remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not specified the exact aspects of the paper that are confusing, which may limit the depth of discussion. The relationship between quantum theory and biological processes is complex and may depend on various interpretations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and researchers in chemical engineering, biology, and physics, particularly those exploring the intersection of quantum mechanics and biological systems.

Amin48
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You will get better and mor helpful answers if you will tell us where you got lost. We can help you over any hard spots, but only if we know where they are.
 
Nugatory said:
You will get better and mor helpful answers if you will tell us where you got lost. We can help you over any hard spots, but only if we know where they are.
Firstly thank you for your answer.
secondly, I am trying to apply the ideas in this paper to my thesis.
I am actually trying to meet someone who is quite knowledgeable in this area. Because I am a chemical engineering student at UNSW Sydney.
 
The efficiency of the energy transfers requires quantum theory to explain it.

Hardly surprizing - at the scale of DNA alleles(0.3nm) quantum effects should be ubiquitous. A single allele mutation can cause cancer if not corrected by polymerase. Neither strong determinism nor quantum indeterminism make any sense to me in this scenario.

PS. Do some(all?) cancers arise Schroedinger's cat style? 🤔
 
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