Quantum effects in life

[Sriram]

Hi everyone,

Here is a BBC article about quantum effects in real life. I would think that this is obvious.

If quantum effects take place within atoms, it stands to reason that they will be seen in normal life as well. We can't separate life into the quantum world, normal world and cosmic world. Each merges into the other and forms an integral part of the other.

http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20160715-organisms-might-be-quantum-machines

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Few of us really understand the weird world of quantum physics – but our bodies might take advantage of quantum properties.

Scientists tell us that the miniature denizens of the quantum realm behave in seemingly impossible ways: they can exist in two places at once, or disappear and reappear somewhere else instantly.

The one saving grace is that these truly bizarre quantum behaviours don’t seem to have much of an impact on the macroscopic world as we know it, where “classical” physics rules the roost.

Or, at least, that’s what scientists thought until a few years ago.

Now that reassuring wisdom is starting to fall apart. Quantum processes may occur not quite so far from our ordinary world as we once thought. Quite the opposite: they might be at work behind some very familiar processes, from the photosynthesis that powers plants – and ultimately feeds us all – to the familiar sight of birds on their seasonal migrations. Quantum physics might even play a role in our sense of smell.

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Though the article is interesting what I find odd is the attitude of the scientist who seems to think that Quantum effects 'are being used' by nature in certain unusual ways to its advantage.   

Nature has Quantum effects as its base and the entire complex structure of the macro universe is built on that base. How then  could quantum effects not be a part of biological life?!! 

Cheers.

Sriram

[Udayana]

For anyone interested in this, there is a great (and readable) book that covers it well at a non-mathematical level:

"Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology" by Jim Al-Khalili and Johnjoe McFadden

The explanation of biological processes using quantum mechanics is unexpected as, at the scales and temperatures of life, you would not expect to see  quantum effects to be involved - there are just too many atoms closely "jiggling about": You would expect any wave functions to immediately collapse - so would only observe normal particle physics at work - not the quantum physics of entanglement, tunneling etc.

However it is clear that these effects are at work in some processes.

[Enki]

For anyone interested in this, there is a great (and readable) book that covers it well at a non-mathematical level:

"Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology" by Jim Al-Khalili and Johnjoe McFadden

The explanation of biological processes using quantum mechanics is unexpected as, at the scales and temperatures of life, you would not expect to see  quantum effects to be involved - there are just too many atoms closely "jiggling about": You would expect any wave functions to immediately collapse - so would only observe normal particle physics at work - not the quantum physics of entanglement, tunneling etc.

However it is clear that these effects are at work in some processes.

Yes, I've got it and read it. I agree, it's a very interesting read. I also agree that they describe the reasons why quantum mechanics seems to break down generally away from the micro world of the atomic particle and sub particle, but also how nature seems to utilise quantum effects, as in Sriram's references to photosynthesis and suggested use of quantum entanglement in the compasses of such disparate animals as the robin, the fruit fly, the chicken and even the cockroach.


I, personally, found the Chapter entitled 'Mind' to be of particular interest, with their speculation on quantum coherent ion channels and neurons firing synchroneously and how this might well affect the brain's EM field, leading to conscious awareness. Al-Khalili and McFadden stress, of course, that their ideas are a world away from supporting so called 'paranormal phenomena'.

[jeremyp]

The whole World is quantum. Everything we see is quantum effects albeit the statistics of huge numbers makes it appear that something else is going on.

Having said that there are many experiments that bring the quantum world into life, for example electron diffraction, polarizing filters, Geiger counters.

It's meaningless to ask if biological processes exploit the quantum because, everything is quantum.

[Enki]

The whole World is quantum. Everything we see is quantum effects albeit the statistics of huge numbers makes it appear that something else is going on.

Having said that there are many experiments that bring the quantum world into life, for example electron diffraction, polarizing filters, Geiger counters.

It's meaningless to ask if biological processes exploit the quantum because, everything is quantum.

Indeed the whole world seems to be quantum based, but don't forget decoherence, when the weird quantum effects seem to break down.

[L.A.]

I must admit, I often feel that I am simultaneously taking multiple paths through space/time - but that's what grandchildren do to you!

[Bubbles]

I could do with the ability to be in two places at once 

[Brownie]

Bi-location eh Rose?    There are myths and legends about holy figures said to have that gift.

[floo]

I could do with the ability to be in two places at once 

I forget who it was now, but someone, possibly a priest or some religious bloke, claimed to do exactly that.

[Brownie]

Padre Pio.
He didn't claim it, others did on his behalf.
I think either he had a twin or those who saw him were taking hallucinogenic substances.

[floo]

Padre Pio.
He didn't claim it, others did on his behalf.
I think either he had a twin or those who saw him were taking hallucinogenic substances.

That's the guy! I agree with you.