The future of quantum biology

2018/11/01 by Adriana Marais, Betony Adams, Andrew K. Ringsmuth +9 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Neuroscience · Physics and Astronomy · #Photoreceptor and optogenetics research #Photosynthetic Processes and Mechanisms #Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemical Studies

paper · pdf · doi:10.1098/rsif.2018.0640

openalex publication_date 2018/11/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

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.

Citations

• Charge and Energy Transfer Dynamics in Molecular Systems
• The quantum Goldilocks effect: on the convergence of timescales in quantum transport
• On the Theory of Oxidation-Reduction Reactions Involving Electron Transfer. I
• Quantum coherence in biological systems
• Evidence for wavelike energy transfer through quantum coherence in photosynthetic systems
• Energiewanderung und Fluoreszenz
• A Spectroscopic Mechanism for Primary Olfactory Reception

Cited by

• Quantum transport and utilization of free energy in protein α-helices

Discussions

• Quantum biology is a seriously researched thing, but I think it hasn't gained more traction because it's just hard to demonstrate that quantum effects can influence the function of large messy biologi [bsky, 0 points, 1 comments]

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