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Journal of Physics Conference Series

Life from the standpoint of quantum physics

Nadia Lvov, Nina B. Sotina

Published Jun 1, 2019• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Experiments on biological systems revealed limitations of quantum mechanics to explain the processes that are observed in living matter. In this paper we give an analysis from the position of quantum physics of three processes in biological systems (1) transmutation of chemical elements in living systems; (2) description of a virus (bacteriophage T2) behavior; (3) the difference in properties of a living and a dead plant under high pressure (Macovschi's experiment).

DOI
10.1088/1742-6596/1251/1/012030

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Experiments on biological systems revealed limitations of quantum mechanics to explain the processes that are observed in living matter. In this paper we give an analysis from the position of quantum physics of three processes in biological systems (1) transmutation of chemical elements in living systems; (2) description of a virus (bacteriophage T2) behavior; (3) the difference in properties of a living and a dead plant under high pressure (Macovschi's experiment).
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Biological systems are dynamical, constantly exchanging energy and matter with the environment in order to maintain the non-equilibrium state synonymous with living. Developments in observational techniques have allowed us to study biological dynamics on increasingly small scales. Such studies have revealed evidence of quantum mechanical effects, which cannot be accounted for by classical physics, in a range of biological processes. Quantum biology is the study of such processes, and here we provide an outline of the current state of the field, as well as insights into future directions.
For years, quantum physics was seen as the physics of non-living matter. Thus, when biological living things were discussed, this sequence always came to the fore: biology > organism> organs> tissue> biochemistry> physics> classical mechanics + quantum mechanics. It can be seen that there was a reduction to the lower structures, and that at the base one reaches the level of particles such as atoms and molecules. But when the physico-chemical level is reached, it can be seen that many quantum mechanical events are taking place in living things, and that in fact these are quite normal reactions.
The interrelation between quantum physics and biology was once excluded as impossible, but it is now being reconsidered in unexpected and unprecedented ways. Quantum biology is a novel frontier of science that studies quantum effects in biological systems: Life functions and senses of perceptions appear to be mediated by quantum mechanical processes, which allow living organisms to sustain themselves and experience reality. Photosynthesis, magnetoreception, olfaction, and potentially our sense of consciousness would be possible through the weird quantum-energetic behavior of subatomic particles. Modern medicine is being impacted as well by the quantum revolution, with a shift in perspective from material particles to energy fields, in accordance with the principles of traditional medical systems, such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Homeopathy.