Quantum physics is helping researchers to better understand
photosynthesis and olfaction
(July 10, 2015) Can
something be for instance in two different places at the same time? According
to quantum physics, it can. More precisely, in line with the principle of
‘superposition’, a particle can be described as being in two different states
simultaneously.
While it may sound like voodoo to the non-expert,
superposition is based on solid science. Researchers in the PAPETS project are
exploring this and other phenomena on the frontier between biology and quantum
physics. Their goal is to determine the role of vibrational dynamics in
photosynthesis and olfaction.
Quantum ‘Superposition’ makes photosynthesis more efficient
Quantum effects in a biological system, namely in a
photosynthetic complex, were first observed by Greg Engel and collaborators in
2007, in the USA. These effects were reproduced in different laboratories at a
temperature of around -193 degrees Celsius and subsequently at ambient
temperature.
‘What’s surprising and exciting is that these quantum
effects have been observed in biological complexes, which are large, wet and
noisy systems,’ says PAPETS project coordinator, Dr. Yasser Omar, researcher at
Instituto de Telecomunicações and professor at Universidade de Lisboa.
‘Superposition is fragile and we would expect it to be destroyed by the environment.’