Subcellular neuronal quasicrystals: Implications for consciousness.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biophysics
• Quantum Biology

Background:

• Neuron neurotransmitter receptors are typically pentameric structures.
• Biological quasicrystals, resembling mathematical aperiodic tilings, have been observed.
• Quasicrystals are hypothesized to require quantum effects for their existence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential role of pentameric neurotransmitter receptors in forming quasicrystalline structures within neurons.
• To investigate the implications of quasicrystal formation in neurons for quantum effects in neurotransmission and consciousness.
• To examine the involvement of microtubules and other cellular components in neuronal quasicrystal formation.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling of pentameric receptor arrangements.
• Analysis of existing literature on quasicrystals and neuronal structures.
• Hypothesizing the role of microtubules in organizing receptor clusters.

Main Results:

• Pentameric receptors can form pentagonal components suitable for quasicrystal lattices.
• Neuronal quasicrystals could integrate quantum effects into neurotransmission.
• Microtubules may facilitate receptor clustering and potentially form quasicrystals themselves.
• Other neuronal components like water, actin, and ankyrin may also form quasicrystals.

Conclusions:

• The pentameric nature of neurotransmitter receptors provides a basis for quasicrystal formation in neurons.
• Neuronal quasicrystals offer a potential mechanism for quantum effects influencing consciousness.
• Microtubules and other cytoskeletal elements may play crucial roles in modulating these quasicrystalline structures and their functions.