Jack Tuszynski Quantum Biology Part I Winter 2015

[ColbertSesanker]

The term 'quantum' is uninformative as it can mean many things. What should be emphasized are modern physics concepts in general like long range phase correlations and coherent excitations. Fixating on specific structures like the cytoskeleton, microtubules, centrioles etc. also detracts from what the paradigm shift really is.

The most compact way to describe the paradigm shift:

1. The cell and possibly whole organisms are solid-state systems, like a liquid crystal
2. They are different frequency specific interactions between components (e.g., proteins, organelles and membranes) ... coordinated by long range phase correlations.

Sure, the long range phase correlations between components and condensate-like state of the entire cell arise from quantum effects but that doesn’t make it clear what macroscopic effects, like condensation, are relevant. I think ‘Solid-State Biology’ is a better buzz title given that name pulls in other solid state concepts. For example, Don Ingber’s work on ‘cellular tensegrity’ and Gerald Pollack’s work on the gel like phase of water inside the cell.