Photo-activated biological processes as quantum measurements

TL;DR

This paper proposes a quantum measurement framework for photo-activated biological processes, highlighting the role of quantum coherence in functions like photosynthesis and magnetoreception.

Contribution

It introduces a generalized quantum measurement approach to biological reactions, emphasizing the importance of non-equilibrium quantum coherence for biological functionality.

Findings

Quantum coherence is essential for certain biological measurements.

Photosynthesis involves quantum measurement of solar radiation.

Magnetoreception involves quantum measurement of Earth's magnetic field.

Abstract

We outline a framework for describing photo-activated biological reactions as generalized quantum measurements of external fields, for which the biological system takes on the role of a quantum meter. By using general arguments regarding the Hamiltonian that describes the measurement interaction, we identify the cases where it is essential for a complex chemical or biological system to exhibit non-equilibrium quantum coherent dynamics in order to achieve the requisite functionality. We illustrate the analysis by considering measurement of the solar radiation field in photosynthesis and measurement of the earth's magnetic field in avian magnetoreception.