Why Genetic Information Processing could have a Quantum Basis

Abstract:

Conventional computers use the laws of electronic circuits for processing information. Quantum computation is an alternative where laws of quantum mechanics are used for processing information. It has been established that optimisation criteria of quantum computation are distinct from those for conventional computation. Fundamental biological processes occuring at the molecular level, replication of DNA and synthesis of proteins, are studied from the view-point of quantum database search. Identification of a base-pairing with a quantum query gives a natural explanation of why living organisms have 4 nucleotide bases and 20 amino acids. These numbers arise as the optimal solutions to the database search problem. Components of the DNA structure which implement the quantum search algorithm are identified, and a physical scenario is presented for the execution of the quantum algorithm. It is proposed that enzymes play a crucial role in maintaining quantum coherence of the process. Experimental tests that can verify this scenario are pointed out.