On the Fundamentals of Quantum Rate Theory and the Long-range Electron Transport in Respiratory Chains

TL;DR

This paper reviews quantum rate theory's role in explaining long-range electron transport in respiratory chains, emphasizing its quantum electrodynamics basis and reconciling different mechanistic views with experimental insights.

Contribution

It introduces a relativistic quantum electrodynamics framework for quantum rate theory to unify conflicting models of long-range electron transport in biological systems.

Findings

Quantum rate theory explains long-distance electron transport.

Experimental data supports quantum mechanical efficiency.

Relativistic effects are significant in biological electron transfer.

Abstract

It has been shown that both the electron-transfer rate constant of an electrochemical reaction and the conductance quantum are correlated with the concept of quantum capacitance. This simple association between the two separate concepts has an entirely quantum rate basis that encompasses the electron-transfer rate theory as originally proposed by Rudolph A. Marcus whether the statistical mechanism is properly taken into account. Presently, it is conducted a concise review of the quantum mechanical rate theory principles focused on its relativistic quantum electrodynamics character to demonstrate that it can reconcile the conflicting views established on attempting to use the super-exchange (supported on electron transfer) or `metallic-like' (supported on conductance quantum) mechanisms separately to explain the highly efficient long-distance electron transport observed in the respiratory processes of living cells. The unresolved issues related to long-range electron transport are clarified in light of the quantum rate theory with a discussion focused on Geobacter sulfurreducens films as a reference standard of the respiration chain. Theoretical analyses supported by experimental data suggest that the efficiency of respiration within a long-range electron transport path is intrinsically a quantum mechanical event that follows relativistic quantum electrodynamics principles as addressed by quantum rate theory.