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A quantum mechanical model of adaptive mutation.

J McFadden¹, J Al-Khalili

¹Molecular Microbiology Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK. j.al-khalili@surrey.ac.uk

|July 10, 1999

Summary

Adaptive mutations challenge random mutation theory. Quantum events in DNA may enable directed mutations by maintaining coherence until environmental interaction accelerates decoherence and mutation rates.

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Area of Science:

Quantum biology
Molecular evolution
Genetics

Background:

The principle of random mutation is challenged by adaptive mutations.
A satisfactory theory for environmentally-induced selective mutations is lacking.
Spontaneous mutations are initiated by quantum events, like proton tunneling.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the role of quantum mechanics in adaptive mutations.
To investigate how environmental signals might influence mutation direction.
To model the quantum state of the genome during mutation.

Main Methods:

Modeling the genome's quantum wave function as a superposition of states.
Estimating decoherence times for protons within DNA.
Analyzing the impact of environmental interactions on quantum coherence.

Main Results:

Quantum coherence of the genome's wave function may persist on biological timescales.
Environmental interactions, particularly with utilisable substrates, accelerate decoherence.
Accelerated decoherence can increase the rate of specific mutated state production.

Conclusions:

Quantum coherence and decoherence provide a potential mechanism for adaptive mutations.
Environmental factors can influence the rate and direction of mutations via quantum effects.
This quantum model offers a novel perspective on evolutionary processes.

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