Quantum Aspects of Life

Quantum Aspects of Life

To what extent is biology influenced by quantum mechanics? This is the fascinating question to which the 18 essays in Quantum Aspects of Life are devoted. Derek Abbott, Paul Davies and Arun Pati collect insights from a range of scientists who ponder the interface of the physics of the very small with life itself.

As the editors explain up front, the living cell is an information processing system that is filled with naturally evolved nanomachines—devices that at some level require a quantum mechanical explanation. The contributors then offer a variety of viewpoints. For example, Paul Davies suggests that quantum mechanics enabled life to emerge directly from the atomic world without complex intermediate chemistry. Specifically, the power of quantum superposition may have allowed a system to shortcut the transition time from nonliving to living; Davies sets out a scenario that describes just how this might have happened.

Seth Lloyd notes that quantum mechanics, like genetics, is both discrete and probabilistic in nature; quantum systems, he claims, necessarily give rise to complex behavior. Alexandra Castro identifies ultrafast quantum dynamics in photosynthesis, and Jacques Bothma builds a model in which quantum decoherence can take place in biomolecules: Could certain enzymes enhance their catalytic power by exploiting the quantum tunneling of hydrogen?

Other contributors investigate the possible quantum aspects of everything from DNA to memory encoding to metabolism to free will. Howard Wiseman and Jense Eisert assert a contrary view, suggesting that quantum effects in biology are not as fundamental as other contributors assert.

Whatever the true relation between the quantum physical and biological realms, the editors argue that quantum engineering and nanotechnology will make increasing use of biological structures for producing new devices for information storage and processing. Quantum Aspects of Life offers a comprehensive overview of one of the most intriguing issues in science today.

Softcover: 468 pages

Publisher: World Scientific Publications ( September 12, 2008 )

Item #: 22-6293

ISBN: 9781848162679

Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 9.1 x 0.0 inches

Product Weight: 24.0 ounces