The 24 Fundamental Problems in Quantum Biology
Inspired by Hilbert's famous 23 problems, these 24 challenges define the frontier of quantum biology and protein science research.
Built on Nobel Prize-Winning Science
These problems are grounded in the 2024 Nobel Prize-winning work on protein design and structure prediction
The 2024 Chemistry Nobel honored Baker, Hassabis & Jumper for revolutionizing our understanding of protein structure and function.
Quantum Tunneling in Enzymes
Investigate quantum tunneling effects in enzymatic reactions
Nobel Prize Connection
Quantum tunneling in enzymes is directly validated by the 2024 Chemistry Nobel Prize for protein structure prediction and design.
- •Hydrogen atom tunneling through enzyme active sites
- •Validates quantum effects at biological scales
- •Explains extraordinary reaction rate accelerations
Related Winners: David Baker, Demis Hassabis, John Jumper
Enzyme Catalysis
Model quantum mechanical aspects of enzyme catalysis
Nobel Prize Connection
Enzyme catalysis mechanisms validated by 2024 Chemistry Nobel Prize for computational protein design and AlphaFold.
- •Quantum tunneling as a catalytic mechanism
- •Protein structure prediction enables understanding catalysis
- •Understanding catalytic efficiency at quantum level
Related Winners: David Baker, Demis Hassabis, John Jumper
Proton Transfer Mechanisms
Analyze quantum proton transfer in biological systems
Nobel Prize Connection
Proton tunneling mechanisms in biological systems validated by computational protein design methods (2024 Chemistry Nobel).
- •Proton transfer in ATP synthesis
- •Quantum effects in photosynthesis
- •Proton-coupled electron transfer
Membrane Transport
Analyze quantum tunneling in ion channel transport
Nobel Prize Connection
Ion channel protein structures predicted by AlphaFold reveal quantum mechanical effects in ion transport.
- •Protein structure prediction for ion channels
- •Selectivity mechanisms
- •Transport rate enhancements
Quantum Computing for Proteins
Develop quantum algorithms for protein simulation
Nobel Prize Connection
AlphaFold and computational protein design (2024 Chemistry Nobel) enable quantum computing applications for protein simulations.
- •AI-powered protein structure prediction
- •Quantum algorithms for molecular dynamics
- •Drug discovery using computational methods
Related Winners: Demis Hassabis, John Jumper, David Baker
Photosynthesis Efficiency
Explore quantum effects in photosynthetic complexes
Nobel Prize Connection
Understanding photosynthetic protein structures through computational methods (2024 Chemistry Nobel).
- •Light-harvesting complex structures
- •Energy transfer mechanisms
- •Quantum coherence in photosynthesis
DNA Mutation Mechanisms
Investigate quantum contributions to DNA mutations
Nobel Prize Connection
Protein structure prediction helps understand quantum tunneling contributions to DNA mutations.
- •Proton tunneling in DNA base pairs
- •Tautomeric shifts and mutations
- •Quantum effects in genetic stability
Decoherence Times
Measure quantum coherence lifetimes in biomolecules
Nobel Prize Connection
Computational methods from 2024 Chemistry Nobel enable studying quantum coherence in biological proteins.
- •Measuring quantum coherence lifetimes
- •Understanding decoherence mechanisms
- •Environmental effects on quantum states
Drug Design
Use quantum methods for rational drug design
Nobel Prize Connection
Computational protein design (2024 Chemistry Nobel) enables drug discovery and pharmaceutical applications.
- •AI-powered drug design
- •Computational screening
- •Protein-based therapeutics
Related Winners: David Baker, Demis Hassabis, John Jumper
All Research Problems
Protein Folding Prediction
Develop algorithms for accurate protein structure prediction
Protein-Ligand Binding
Model quantum effects in protein-ligand interactions
Electron Transfer Chains
Study quantum coherence in electron transfer processes
Olfactory Reception
Study quantum vibration theory in smell perception
Protein Aggregation
Understand quantum effects in protein misfolding diseases
Spin Dynamics
Study electron and nuclear spin in biological systems
Quantum Entanglement in Proteins
Investigate quantum entanglement in protein complexes
Molecular Recognition
Model quantum aspects of molecular recognition
Allosteric Regulation
Study quantum mechanical signals in allosteric proteins
Vision and Photoreception
Analyze quantum effects in visual photoreceptors
Protein Dynamics
Model quantum contributions to protein conformational changes
Magnetoreception
Investigate quantum basis of magnetic field sensing
Vibrational Spectroscopy
Apply quantum mechanics to protein vibrational analysis
Quantum Biology Theory
Develop unified theoretical framework for quantum biology
Proteins as Qubits for Quantum Information Processing
Can proteins or protein domains function as biological qubits for quantum information storage and processing?
Working on These Problems?
Join our global network of researchers tackling the fundamental challenges in quantum biology and protein science.