Understanding the Feedback Loops between Energy, Matter and Life

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Quantum Biology
• Systems Biology

Background:

• Biological systems exhibit self-organization from molecular to organismal levels.
• Classical mediators like nerve conduction and blood flow are well-established.
• The role of fundamental forces and quantum effects in biological organization requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent biophysical findings on self-organization.
• To propose electric and electromagnetic forces as key long-range mediators.
• To explore the role of quantum phenomena in biological information processing.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent biophysics research.
• Analysis of feedback loops in biological systems.
• Discussion of field-like mediation versus classical pathways.

Main Results:

• Electric and electromagnetic forces are proposed as crucial for long-range biological organization.
• Resonance phenomena involving phonons and photons are relevant at multiple biological scales.
• Quantum effects, including electron tunneling, are implicated in biological processes.
• Aqueous environments play a significant role in mediating these forces and phenomena.

Conclusions:

• Self-organization in biological systems is significantly influenced by electromagnetic interactions and quantum mechanics.
• Field-like mediation, distinct from classical pathways, is essential for understanding large-scale biological organization.
• Quantum information processing may extend over large areas within organisms.