Does Coherence Enhance Transport in Photosynthesis?

Area of Science:

• Quantum biology
• Photosynthesis research
• Biophysics

Background:

• Recent observations suggest coherence in photosynthetic complexes.
• The role of quantum effects in vivo under natural sunlight is debated.
• High exciton transfer efficiency in photosynthesis needs explanation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate quantum effects in natural photosynthesis under steady-state, incoherent sunlight.
• To differentiate between state coherence and process coherence in photosynthetic pathways.
• To identify mechanisms that enhance exciton transfer efficiency in artificial light harvesting.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis of quantum dynamics in photosynthetic systems.
• Distinguishing between state and process coherence.
• Evaluating mechanisms like wavelike motion, microscopic coherence, ENAQT, and supertransfer.

Main Results:

• Photosynthesis in nature proceeds through stationary states, not solely wavelike motion.
• Microscopic coherence alone does not enhance exciton transfer efficiency in sunlight.
• Partially coherent processes, specifically ENAQT and supertransfer, can enhance transport under sunlight.

Conclusions:

• The distinction between state and process coherence is crucial for understanding quantum effects in photosynthesis.
• Certain partially coherent mechanisms are promising for optimizing artificial sunlight harvesting.
• Ultrafast spectroscopy is vital for elucidating incoherent processes in biological systems.