Quantum Coherence in Electron Transfer Chains
Can quantum coherence persist long enough in biological electron transfer chains (like mitochondrial complexes) to enhance efficiency? This addresses whether life harnesses quantum superposition for optimized energy transfer.
Problem Overview
Can quantum coherence persist long enough in biological electron transfer chains (like mitochondrial complexes) to enhance efficiency? This addresses whether life harnesses quantum superposition for optimized energy transfer.
🎯Practical Applications
Bio-inspired solar cells, improved artificial photosynthesis systems, understanding mitochondrial diseases, designing quantum batteries, optimizing fuel cells, treating metabolic disorders
📚Key References
Gray, H. B., & Winkler, J. R. (2003). Electron tunneling through proteins. Quarterly Reviews of Biophysics, 36(3), 341-372.
Moser, C. C. et al. (2010). Nature of biological electron transfer. Nature, 355(6363), 796-802.
Fleming, G. R. et al. (2011). Design principles of photosynthetic light-harvesting. Faraday Discussions, 155, 27-41.
Romero, E. et al. (2014). Quantum coherence in photosynthesis for efficient solar-energy conversion. Nature Physics, 10(9), 676-682.
Lee, H., Cheng, Y. C., & Fleming, G. R. (2007). Coherence dynamics in photosynthesis. Science, 316(5830), 1462-1465.
Note: These references demonstrate that this problem is actively researched and tractable. They provide evidence that quantum effects are measurable and significant in biological systems.
Current Research Approaches
🔬Experimental Methods
- Time-resolved spectroscopy measurements
- Cryogenic electron microscopy studies
- Isotope labeling and kinetic analysis
- Single-molecule imaging techniques
💻Computational Approaches
- Quantum molecular dynamics simulations
- Density functional theory calculations
- Machine learning models for prediction
- Quantum computing algorithms
📊Theoretical Framework
- Quantum field theory in biological systems
- Decoherence and environmental coupling models
- Path integral formulations
- Semi-classical approximations
Recent Publications
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Key Researchers
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