Quantum process in living cells

Robert W. Finkel

Department of Physics, St. John’s University, New York, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/abb.2013.44071                

Abstract

Coherent quantum effects have been confirmed for several biological processes. These processes exist in the environment of a warm wet cell where decoherence can be a serious concern. Here we propose a mechanism whereby quantum coherence may extend through the water matrix of a cell. The model is based on coherent waves of established ultrafast energy transfers in water. Computations based on the model are found to agree with several experimental results and numerical and descriptive predictions are presented. We compute wave speed, ~156 km/s, and wavelength, ~9.3 nm, and determine that these waves retain local coherence. Close agreements are found for the dipole moment of water dimers, results of microwave radiation on yeast, and the Kleiber law of metabolic rates. The theory requires that a spherical cell must have a minimum diameter of ~20 nm to accommodate a standing energy wave. The quantum properties of the modelsuggest that cellular chemistry favors reactions that support perpetuation of the energy waves.

Keywords

Cooperative Process; Kleiber Law; Smallest Cell Size; Ultrafast Energy Transfer; Water Dimer

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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