A study published on bioRxiv demonstrated that quantum tunneling plays a key role in in vitro hydrolytic enzyme reactions by analyzing kinetic isotope effects (KIE) through deuterium substitution. The involvement of the quantum tunneling effect was confirmed through temperature dependence experiments in major biochemical reactions such as SIRT3-mediated deacetylation, I-SceI-mediated DNA cleavage, and caspase-3-mediated protein cleavage. By observing that DNA homologous recombinational (HR) repair in living cells is almost completely inhibited in a deuterium environment that lowers the probability of quantum tunneling, it was demonstrated that quantum effects dominate cell survival itself. [Quantum Biology Society] Behind life phenomena lies a strange quantum world that cannot be explained by classical mechanics. A prime example is quantum tunneling, where particles pass through reaction energy barriers as if by magic. While it has been known that quantum tunneling contributes to speeding up some enzyme reactions inside proteins , there has been a lack of concrete empirical evidence as to whether this is an essential physical requirement directly linked to actual cell survival. Recently, a groundbreaking study was published showing that if the quantum tunneling effect is inhibited, the cell's life support system itself completely halts. The paper titled "Cell viability is dominated by quantum effects," published on the preprint repository bioRxiv, strongly supports this. A multi-institutional joint research team, including Takeshi Yasuda from the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Sciences and Technology (QST) and Kobe University in Japan, led this innovative research. ■ The Link Between Enzyme Hydrolysis and Quantum Tunneling The research team utilized deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen, to track how quantum tunneling is involved in enzymatic chemical reactions. In a heavy deuterium environment, the probability of quantum tunneling is significantly lower compared to light hydrogen, and the research team precisely measured the resulting kinetic isotope effects (KIE) and their temperature dependence. Experimental results proved that the quantum tunneling effect is deeply involved in in vitro hydrolysis reactions essential for cellular metabolism, such as SIRT3-mediated deacetylation, I-SceI-mediated DNA cleavage, and caspase-3-mediated protein cleavage, as evidenced by the disappearance of the isotope effect above specific temperatures. ■ A Halted DNA Repair System Furthermore, the research team directly investigated the impact of the quantum characteristics of these enzyme reactions on living cells. When human cells were exposed to a deuterium-substituted (D₂O) medium environment that artificially lowered the probability of quantum tunneling, it was observed that DNA homologous recombinational (HR) repair, one of the core survival mechanisms of cells, was almost completely inhibited. This means that the most important biochemical repair process protecting and maintaining the genetic information of organisms undergoes a chain reaction of several enzymes and cannot function normally without quantum tunneling phenomena. ■ Quantum Effects Dominating Cell Viability This study empirically demonstrates that core biochemical reactions in living organisms do not simply rely on thermodynamic energy but are fundamentally indebted to quantum mechanical tunneling phenomena. The discovery that numerous hydrolysis and repair reactions performed by enzymes within cells are ultimately strictly dominated by quantum effects serves as crucial evidence that rewrites life phenomena from a purely quantum physics perspective. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.18.549596v1
A study published on bioRxiv demonstrated that quantum tunneling plays a key role in in vitro hydrolytic enzyme reactions by analyzing kinetic isotope effects (KIE) through deuterium substitution. The involvement of the quantum tunneling effect was confirmed through temperature dependence experiments in major biochemical reactions such as SIRT3-mediated deacetylation, I-SceI-mediated DNA cleavage, and caspase-3-mediated protein cleavage. By observing that DNA homologous recombinational (HR) repair in living cells is almost completely inhibited in a deuterium environment that lowers the probability of quantum tunneling, it was demonstrated that quantum effects dominate cell survival itself. [Quantum Biology Society] Behind life phenomena lies a strange quantum world that cannot be explained by classical mechanics. A prime example is quantum tunneling, where particles pass through reaction energy barriers as if by magic. While it has been known that quantum tunneling contributes to speeding up some enzyme reactions inside proteins , there has been a lack of concrete empirical evidence as to whether this is an essential physical requirement directly linked to actual cell survival. Recently, a groundbreaking study was published showing that if the quantum tunneling effect is inhibited, the cell's life support system itself completely halts. The paper titled "Cell viability is dominated by quantum effects," published on the preprint repository bioRxiv, strongly supports this. A multi-institutional joint research team, including Takeshi Yasuda from the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Sciences and Technology (QST) and Kobe University in Japan, led this innovative research. ■ The Link Between Enzyme Hydrolysis and Quantum Tunneling The research team utilized deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen, to track how quantum tunneling is involved in enzymatic chemical reactions. In a heavy deuterium environment, the probability of quantum tunneling is significantly lower compared to light hydrogen, and the research team precisely measured the resulting kinetic isotope effects (KIE) and their temperature dependence. Experimental results proved that the quantum tunneling effect is deeply involved in in vitro hydrolysis reactions essential for cellular metabolism, such as SIRT3-mediated deacetylation, I-SceI-mediated DNA cleavage, and caspase-3-mediated protein cleavage, as evidenced by the disappearance of the isotope effect above specific temperatures. ■ A Halted DNA Repair System Furthermore, the research team directly investigated the impact of the quantum characteristics of these enzyme reactions on living cells. When human cells were exposed to a deuterium-substituted (D₂O) medium environment that artificially lowered the probability of quantum tunneling, it was observed that DNA homologous recombinational (HR) repair, one of the core survival mechanisms of cells, was almost completely inhibited. This means that the most important biochemical repair process protecting and maintaining the genetic information of organisms undergoes a chain reaction of several enzymes and cannot function normally without quantum tunneling phenomena. ■ Quantum Effects Dominating Cell Viability This study empirically demonstrates that core biochemical reactions in living organisms do not simply rely on thermodynamic energy but are fundamentally indebted to quantum mechanical tunneling phenomena. The discovery that numerous hydrolysis and repair reactions performed by enzymes within cells are ultimately strictly dominated by quantum effects serves as crucial evidence that rewrites life phenomena from a purely quantum physics perspective. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.18.549596v1
• A study published in the international journal Communications Physics demonstrated the phenomenon of proton tunneling inside DNA utilizing an open quantum systems approach. • The research confirmed that protons within DNA hydrogen bonds pass through binding barriers via quantum tunnelling, going well beyond simple thermal fluctuations, and that this plays a dominant role in the conversion of base pairs into rare tautomers. • This is a groundbreaking result proving that the fundamental genetic mutation process of life is driven by microscopic quantum tunneling probabilities, revealing that tautomeric states can induce natural point mutations. [Quantum Biology Society] The DNA double helix, which contains all the genetic information of living organisms, is stably maintained by hydrogen bonds between base pairs. However, even in this robust structure, unexplained point mutations occasionally occur, becoming the seeds of evolution and disease. Recently, a study demonstrating that quantum tunnelling—a bizarre physical law of the subatomic world—is deeply involved behind this fundamental biological phenomenon was published, surprising both the biology and physics communities. The paper detailing this groundbreaking discovery, titled "An open quantum systems approach to proton tunnelling in DNA," was made freely available in Communications Physics, a sister journal to the world-renowned Nature. A research team consisting of Louie Slocombe, Marco Sacchi, and Jim Al-Khalili from the University of Surrey in the UK led this interdisciplinary study. ■ The Power of Quantum Tunneling Beyond Classical Chemistry From the perspective of general classical biochemistry, it has been assumed that for protons forming DNA hydrogen bonds to change positions, sufficient thermal fluctuation is required to overcome the binding barrier. However, the researchers discovered a surprising fact through an open quantum systems model that precisely reflects the effects of decoherence and dissipation within the cellular environment. Protons instantly change their binding positions through quantum tunneling, passing through the barrier despite a lack of energy, and the contribution of quantum tunneling to the chemical reaction rate is several orders of magnitude larger than classical over-the-barrier hopping. ■ The Beginning of Mutation: Tautomeric Conversion According to the analysis, this quantum tunneling plays a dominant role in the conversion of Guanine-Cytosine (G-C) base pairs from their canonical form into highly rare and unstable tautomeric forms. The problem arises when the DNA strands are separated by the helicase enzyme and replication occurs in this state. The research team confirmed that at biological temperatures (around 300K), the thermal equilibrium occupation probability of the tautomer reaches an astoundingly high value of 1.73 × 10⁻⁴. This is significantly higher than the previously known natural spontaneous mutation rate (about 10⁻⁸), strongly suggesting that tautomerisation via quantum tunneling is a substantial and crucial cause of point mutations. ■ Presenting a New Paradigm in Life Sciences This study is a monumental achievement proving that genetic stability and the mutation process—the most fundamental and secretive domain of life—are not accidental chemical mistakes but are directly driven by the probability of quantum tunneling, a physical law of the microscopic world. This is a powerful demonstration that overturns the conventional view of interpreting biological phenomena solely through macroscopic molecular structures and chemical bonds, showing that quantum mechanics can be the key to fully explaining genetic mutation models.
• Published in Nature's sister journal Communications Physics, proposing an 'open quantum systems approach to proton tunnelling in DNA'. • Analysis of G-C base pairs confirmed that the proton transfer rate by tunnelling is overwhelmingly higher than classical methods even at biological temperatures and in a dissipative environment. • Demonstrated a high tautomeric occupation probability... suggesting that DNA mutation is deeply governed by quantum mechanical processes. [Quantum Biology Society] Research revealing that the fundamental cause of mutations threatening the genetic stability of DNA—the core of life preservation—is based on quantum mechanical phenomena rather than classical biochemical reactions is drawing significant attention from the academic community. A paper published in Communications Physics, a sister journal of Nature, titled "An open quantum systems approach to proton tunnelling in DNA" verified this innovative hypothesis with a sophisticated physical model. A joint research team, including Louie Slocombe and Professor Jim Al-Khalili, thoroughly analyzed the quantum mechanical processes related to proton transfer. ■ Protons Piercing Through Hydrogen Bonds, Inducing 'Point Mutations' If a proton moves out of its orbit within the hydrogen bonds of the Guanine-Cytosine (G-C) base pair connecting the DNA double helix structure, tautomerisation occurs, altering the chemical structure of the base, which can lead to a point mutation, an error in genetic information. However, exactly how this process occurs in a warm and complex biological environment has long been a matter of debate. To solve this challenge, the research team applied an open quantum system that integrated an accurate structural model of the G-C base pair with the quantum dynamics of the hydrogen bond proton and the influence of the decoherent and dissipative cellular environment. ■ Quantum Effects Surviving Even in Biological Environments... "Tens of Thousands of Times Faster Than Over-the-Barrier Hopping" The analysis results completely overturned the conventional wisdom that quantum phenomena are confined only to the microscopic world or cryogenic temperatures. The research team found that, despite biological temperatures and environmental factors, the quantum tunnelling contribution to the proton transfer rate is several orders of magnitude (tens of thousands of times) larger than the classical 'over-the-barrier hopping' method, where particles gain energy to cross the barrier. Due to the strong quantum tunnelling effect, the canonical and tautomeric forms of the G-C base pair inter-convert over timescales far shorter than biological ones and very rapidly reach thermal equilibrium. ■ The Origins of Cancer and Evolution Lie in Quantum Probabilities What is even more surprising is that the tautomeric occupation probability through tunnelling reaches a significant level of 1.73 × 10⁻⁴. This suggests that such proton transfer may well play a far more dominant and important role in DNA mutation than the academic community has hitherto thought. This study, which proves that DNA mutations—the macroscopic consequences driving the onset of genetic diseases or cancer, and further, the evolution of life—are in fact thoroughly governed by microscopic quantum tunnelling phenomena, will serve as a powerful indicator of how Quantum Biology can innovate the paradigms of medicine and genetics in the future.
This paper investigates the potential role of quantum tunneling effects in DNA replication, a fundamental biological process. Conventional models of DNA replication primarily rely on classical mechanics, often failing to fully explain the remarkably high efficiency and speed observed. We propose that quantum tunneling, specifically the ability of particles to pass through potential energy barriers, may play a significant, yet previously underappreciated, role. This work will explore theoretical models simulating key stages of DNA replication – namely, the separation of DNA strands and the synthesis of new strands – and demonstrate how tunneling could contribute to these processes. We introduce a framework for quantifying tunneling probabilities within the DNA environment and discuss the implications for understanding the kinetic parameters governing DNA replication. The core claim of this research is that quantum tunneling effects provide a viable explanation for the efficiency and speed of DNA replication, and the core mechanism is the utilization of tunneling to overcome energy barriers in strand separation and new strand synthesis. Further investigation is warranted to explore the precise conditions and structural features within DNA that might enhance tunneling probabilities.
• Published a comprehensive review paper on nontrivial quantum events in cancer biology in the Archives of Razi Institute. • Elucidated that proton tunneling within DNA hydrogen bonds induces spontaneous mutations and cancer development. • Presented the possibility of establishing precision medicine and revolutionary drug discovery platforms through the introduction of quantum computing. [Quantum Biology Society] A groundbreaking review paper has been published that elucidates the fundamental causes of cancer from the perspective of quantum mechanics rather than classical molecular biology, and attempts to solve this with quantum computing technology. Recently, a paper titled "Exploring Quantum in Cancer Biology: A Comprehensive Review of Nontrivial Quantum Events" was published in the international journal Archives of Razi Institute, drawing the attention of the academic community. This study, involving a multinational joint research team including Ayesha Ali, comprehensively covers the latest insights combining quantum mechanics with oncology. ■ Quantum Tunneling, the Culprit Behind Cancer-Causing Mutations This study focused on phenomena such as quantum tunneling, quantum coherence, entanglement, and quantum superposition occurring within cancer cells. It reinterprets the complex signal transduction systems and mutation accumulation processes of cancer, which could not be perfectly explained by the linear pathways of conventional molecular biology alone, as quantum physical phenomena. What is particularly noteworthy is the quantum tunneling model. The researchers pointed out that quantum tunneling phenomena, where protons move through physical energy barriers, can occur within the hydrogen bonds connecting the double helix structure of DNA. They explain that this microscopic phenomenon disrupts normal base-pair bonding, resulting in errors in genetic coding, and consequently causing spontaneous point mutations that induce cancer. ■ Quantum Computing, the Future of Precision Medicine and Drug Discovery Beyond elucidating the microscopic quantum events underlying biological phenomena, the researchers emphasized the active introduction of quantum computing, utilizing quantum bits (qubits) and quantum entanglement, into the healthcare domain. Processing the vast biological data related to cancer with the exponential computational power of quantum computers will dramatically reduce processing time and increase the efficiency of diagnostic assistance, enabling the realization of true personalized precision medicine. This study, which analyzed the fundamental onset mechanism of the disease quantum mechanically, is expected not only to present the direction of future oncology research but also to provide a crucial theoretical foundation for building a revolutionary targeted drug discovery platform.
Abstract The lines separating Biology and Physics have started to blur in recent decades, leading to the emergence of the interdisciplinary field known as quantum Biology. This field looks into the possibility that basic quantum mechanical phenomena such as coherence, entanglement, tunneling, and superposition play crucial roles in biological processes that are beyond the scope of classical Physics. Biology has traditionally worked within the parameters of classical mechanics, presuming that delicate quantum effects cannot endure in the warm, humid, and cacophonous environments of living systems. But new findings in fields like photosynthesis, olfaction, avian magnetoreception, and enzyme catalysis indicate otherwise, suggesting that living things intentionally and possibly advantageously use quantum principles. From the earliest speculative theories to the most recent experimental confirmations, this book chapter methodically examines the evolution of quantum Biology. We investigate how the exceptionally high energy transfer efficiency in photosynthetic complexes particularly in the light-harvesting proteins of green sulfur bacteria and plants is supported by quantum coherence. The remarkable speed of proton transfers and enzymatic reactions during DNA replication is also investigated in relation to quantum tunneling. The chapter explores magnetoreception in migratory birds and suggests models in which sensitivity to Earth's geomagnetic field is made possible by radical pair mechanisms influenced by quantum entanglement. We also discuss the intriguing but controversial idea that quantum vibrations improve the human olfactory system's capacity for discrimination. In addition to examining particular occurrences, this research challenges more general theoretical models that seek to balance quantum mechanics with the decoherence commonly observed in biological settings. Recent developments in quantum information theory, biomimetic quantum technologies, and ultrafast spectroscopy are highlighted as essential instruments advancing empirical research. We also critically evaluate the field's methodological difficulties, the skepticism of overly optimistic interpretations, and the significant philosophical ramifications of acknowledging life as a quantum phenomenon. In conclusion, quantum Biology suggests that quantum effects are not uncommon aberrations but rather are an essential part of life, offering not only a fresh perspective for reinterpreting well-known biological processes but also the potential for a fundamental paradigm shift. Quantum biology has the potential to completely transform biotechnology, medicine, and our comprehension of consciousness and the origin of life as experimental methods advance. This chapter highlights the significance of interdisciplinary cooperation in order to completely comprehend the latest discoveries and possible future paths of quantum Biology, highlighting its revolutionary influence on our comprehension of life at the most basic levels. Key words: Quantum Biology, tunneling, avian magnetoreception, enzyme catalysis
• Raised the hypothesis that 'TIM', a pivotal enzyme in cellular glycolysis, functions as a 'quantum logic gate' beyond a simple chemical catalyst. • Elucidated that upon the occurrence of quantum decoherence, methylglyoxal, a toxic substance causing diabetic complications, is produced. • Reinterpreted the root cause of metabolic diseases as a 'failure of quantum interference', and demonstrated the protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors through a quantum model. [Quantum Biology Society] Groundbreaking research results have emerged suggesting that metabolic enzymes, which generate energy in our bodies, operate not merely as simple chemicals, but like 'quantum logic gates', the computational units of quantum computers. Recently, a paper titled "Triosephosphate Isomerase as a Quantum Logic Gate: Could quantum decoherence be toxic?" was published on bioRxiv, a preprint repository for biology. This study is drawing extraordinary attention from the medical community by reinterpreting the pathogenesis of diseases from a quantum mechanical perspective, going beyond classical biochemistry. ■ A Key Enzyme in Life Phenomena Operates as a 'Quantum Logic Gate' The research team focused on the operational mechanism of 'triosephosphate isomerase (TIM)', a pivotal enzyme in cellular glycolysis that breaks down glucose into energy. The researchers modeled the precise proton transfer process occurring within the enzyme as a 'quantum tunneling' action rather than a simple chemical catalytic reaction. This is an unconventional hypothesis that the TIM enzyme functions like a 'quantum logic gate', the fundamental unit of a quantum computer, to control the conversion of substances with extreme precision. ■ Quantum Errors (Decoherence) Create 'Toxicity' The most surprising discovery is what happens when inefficiencies arise due to the so-called 'quantum decoherence' phenomenon during this quantum tunneling process. The study showed that when an error occurs in the computation (catalysis) as the quantum state breaks down, a fatal toxic byproduct called 'methylglyoxal' is produced instead of normal metabolites, inducing the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that cause diabetic complications. In other words, a 'quantum mechanical malfunction' (failure of quantum tunneling) of metabolic enzymes in cells can be the direct cause of metabolic disease complications. ■ The Efficacy of the Diabetes Drug 'SGLT2 Inhibitors' Proven by a Quantum Model... A New Paradigm in Drug Development Furthermore, the research team developed a mathematical quantum model of how 'SGLT2 inhibitors', a widely used diabetes treatment, protect the body. As a result of simulation analysis through a Python script, it was confirmed that this drug exerts a protective effect on vascular and renal cells by lowering the probability of the formation of the toxic intermediate (methylglyoxal). This approach is highly significant in that it reinterpreted the root cause of metabolic diseases, including diabetes, as a problem at the level of 'quantum interference' rather than a simple chemical imbalance. This research, which identified the causes of diseases from a quantum mechanical perspective and theoretically proved the efficacy of drugs, is expected to provide a strong foundation for the development of new metabolic disease drugs with novel mechanisms that fundamentally block the generation of toxic byproducts in the future.