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Subcellular neuronal quasicrystals: Implications for consciousness.

John Gardiner1

  • 1The School of Biological Sciences; The University of Sydney ; Sydney, Australia.

Communicative & Integrative Biology
|December 3, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Pentameric neurotransmitter receptors may form quasicrystals in neurons, potentially linking quantum effects to consciousness. Microtubules might influence receptor clustering and quasicrystal formation, impacting neurotransmission.

Keywords:
aperiodic tilingconsciousnessmicrotubuleneurotransmitter receptorsquantum computingquasicrystal

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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.