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Published on: September 11, 2022
How quantum entanglement in DNA synchronizes double-strand breakage by type II restriction endonucleases
P Kurian1, G Dunston2, J Lindesay3
1National Human Genome Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA; Department of Physics and Astronomy, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA; Computational Physics Laboratory, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA.
This study proposes a quantum mechanical model where enzymes use quantized oscillations to break DNA, potentially explaining biological energy transport and sensing. The enzyme acts as a shield against thermal noise, preserving quantum effects like entanglement.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Macroscopic quantum effects are studied for biological energy transport and sensing.
- Type II endonucleases coordinate DNA double-strand breaks via unknown mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a quantum mechanical model for DNA double-strand breakage by type II endonucleases.
- To explain the coordination of simultaneous cutting between enzyme catalytic centers.
- To explore the role of quantum effects in biological processes.
Main Methods:
- Developed a quantum mechanical model for collective electronic behavior in DNA.
- Incorporated enzyme-imposed boundary conditions for quantized dipole-dipole oscillations.
- Investigated the role of enzyme-displaced water as a decoherence shield.
Main Results:
- Proposed that quantized zero-point oscillations provide energy for DNA double-strand breakage.
- Suggested enzymes act as decoherence shields, preserving quantum effects against thermal noise.
- Hypothesized that enzyme-DNA complex symmetry conserves parity during bond-breaking.
Conclusions:
- The quantum model explains energy transfer and coordinated DNA cutting by enzymes.
- Enzymes may preserve quantum phenomena like entanglement in biological systems.
- Symmetry and environmental control are crucial for maintaining quantum effects in vivo.
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