Quantum Mechanics in Cell Microtubules: Wild Imagination or Realistic Possibility?

TL;DR

This paper explores the possibility of quantum-coherent states in cell microtubules, proposing mechanisms for energy-loss-free transport and their potential role in biological information processing, blending quantum physics with cellular biology.

Contribution

It introduces a novel scenario for macroscopic quantum states in microtubules based on electromagnetic interactions and water properties, extending Fröhlich's ideas into biological systems.

Findings

Estimates of decoherence times suggest feasible quantum coherence in microtubules.

Proposes a role for ferroelectric properties in sustaining quantum phenomena.

Conjectures a holographic information processing mechanism in microtubules.

Abstract

We focus on potential mechanisms for `energy-loss-free' transport along the cell microtubules, which could be considered as realizations of Fr\"ohlich's ideas on the role of solitons for superconductivity and/or biological matter. In particular, by representing the MT arrangements as `cavities',we present a novel scenario on the formation of macroscopic (or mesoscopic) quantum-coherent states, as a result of the (quantum-electromagnetic) interactions of the MT dimers with the surrounding molecules of the ordered water in the interior of the MT cylinders. We present some generic order of magnitude estimates of the decoherence time in a typical model for MT dynamics. The role of (conjectured) ferroelectric properties of MT arrangements on the above quantum phenomena is emphasized. Based on these considerations, we also present a conjecture on the role of the MT in `holographic' information processing, which resembles the situation encountered in internal source X-ray holography in atomic physics.