The assumption that a macroscopic-scale quantum mechanics can be applied to biological systems forms the basis for the emerging field of quantum biology. It is the scale of macroscopic averages where we find the greatest potential for employing quantum effects in biology. This is similar to the difference between individual variability for the state of health of a patient and statistical variability for a population of patients determined by epidemiology studies. In the case of many particles, we can compute macroscopic averages over an ensemble of these particles. What we only know are the probability values for its states and their time evolution. In the case of a single particle, we never know for sure what the exact state of a particle is. With no size limitation to quantum effects in principle, biological systems are viable candidates for the application of quantum concepts, both literally and metaphorically.Īlthough quantum theory is based on probabilistic principles, even when applied to a single particle, there is also a statistical aspect for systems of many quantum particles. Since there are thousands of ion channels in a cell separated by only small distances separating them, coherent ion channel tunneling could explain the synchronization of ion waves across and between cells. An application of this property to cell biology, for example to the problem of potassium tunneling across ion channels in the cell membrane has already been contemplated. Indeed, it is their quantum wave function that exceeds the confines of the potential in which the particle is trapped. Quantum tunneling refers to the ability to cross over and penetrate a potential barrier in situations when microscopic particles do not have enough energy to do so according to classical physics. A growing number of macroscopic phenomena such as superconductivity, superfluidity, laser action and permanent magnetism have been demonstrated to be quantum in nature. Moreover, quantum physics transitions smoothly to classical physics when differences between energy levels become infinitesimally small, but it is not clear where a boundary between quantum and classical worlds exists. Since biochemistry is an application of chemical principles to organic molecules, this brings us close to biology and provides a plausibility argument for quantum biology. Chemistry is based on the creation and destruction of bonds between atoms in molecules and hence it relies on quantum interactions. Quantum physics provided a clear description of the periodic table of the elements and gave rise to quantum chemistry by explaining atomic valence states and the formation of chemical bonds between atoms. However, quantum mechanics is not limited to microscopic objects but can also apply to properties of matter at macroscopic dimensions and at physiological temperatures. A quantum system is viewed as a combination of multiple states corresponding to different possible outcomes when we try to measure its properties. Quantum entanglement defines a situation where two or more wave functions of microscopic particles form a composite state such that acting on one of them instantaneously affects the other. The term quantum was introduced to represent energy quantization of microscopic objects. Quantum mechanics as the most fundamental theory of matter provides non-intuitive and quantitative predictive tools for our understanding of both inanimate and animate systems. This promises game-changing developments in the life sciences that will profoundly affect medicine and pharmaceutical sciences in the future. Physics has achieved extraordinary explanatory insights into the nature of physical reality, and now quantum concepts are steadily making their way toward elucidation of how biology works in terms of its interacting components. Recently, major progress has been made in our understanding of biological systems due to the atomistic representations of proteins, DNA RNA and other biomolecules. ![]() However, particularly in the area of chronic diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes further strives now require new perspectives predicated on insights from molecular biology, systems biology and even quantum physics. Algorithms for treating seizures, cardiac arrest and respiratory failure, the development of antibiotics and analgesics are examples of very successful applications of these strategies in medicine. ![]() Western medicine and pharmacology have achieved amazing successes diagnostically and therapeutically by applying strategies based on a direct cause-and-effect relationship, which work especially well in acute care settings.
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