Quantum features of the transport through ion channels in the soft knock-on model

TL;DR

This paper investigates the quantum coherence in ion channel transport, demonstrating that high conductance can coexist with quantum effects, which may explain the mechanisms behind ion selectivity and efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum model of ion channel conduction using the Lindblad equation, highlighting the coexistence of high conductance and quantum coherence.

Findings

Quantum coherence can coexist with high conductance in ion channels.

The model uses non-Hermitian Lindblad dynamics to describe transport.

Quantum effects play a significant role in ion channel functionality.

Abstract

Ion channels are protein structures that facilitate the selective passage of ions across the membrane cells of living organisms. They are known for their high conductance and high selectivity. The precise mechanism between these two seemingly contradicting features is not yet firmly established. One possible candidate is the quantum coherence. In this work we study the quantum model of the soft knock-on conduction using the Lindblad equation taking into account the non-hermiticity of the model. We show that the model exhibits a regime in which high conductance coexists with high coherence. Our findings second the role of quantum effects in the transport properties of the ion channels.