Quantum biology
Journal
Nature Physics
Journal Volume
9
Journal Issue
1
Pages
10-18
Date Issued
2013
Author(s)
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that a variety of organisms may harness some of the unique features of quantum mechanics to gain a biological advantage. These features go beyond trivial quantum effects and may include harnessing quantum coherence on physiologically important timescales. In this brief review we summarize the latest results for non-trivial quantum effects in photosynthetic light harvesting, avian magnetoreception and several other candidates for functional quantum biology. We present both the evidence for and arguments against there being a functional role for quantum coherence in these systems. © 2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited.
Type
journal article