TWM
Quantum phenomena in biology
Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology (PSRAST)

 Already the eminent quantum physicists Fritz London and Niels Bohr suggested that quantum phenomena might be essential for life processes. During the last decade especially, increasing evidence is accumulating that indicate that this is indeed the case. Especially the experimental work of Garajev et al (see point 1 below) indicates that a radical reinterpretation of the regulatory mechanisms of DNA is required.

Below you find brief summaries of some interesting texts along with links to their sources.
 1. Genetic code only half the story - DNA is a quantum mechanical biowave computer
Recent research has demonstrated that electromagentic signals are of key importance in the regulatory functioning of DNA . Part of it is based on ultraviolet luminence creating biophotons that have been experimentally demonstrated to be able to enhance metabolic reactions thousandfold (1). Another aspect is an electromagnetically mediated "language" for communication between DNA and the cells. Actually laser light generated in DNA, experimentally demonstrated by P.P. Garajev (2),(3) is a key element in this information transmission system.
Excerpt from:

Gariaev P et al, "The DNA-wave Biocomputer" (3)

"...These assumptions produce a chromosome apparatus and fast wave genetic information channels connecting the chromosomes of the separate cells of an organism into a holistic continuum, working as the biocomputer, where one of the field types produced by the chromosomes, are their radiations. This postulated capability of such "laser radiations" from chromosomes and DNA, as will be shown, has already been demonstrated experimentally in Moscow, by the Gariaev Group. Thus it seems the accepted notions about the genetic code must change fundamentally, and in doing so it will be not only be possible to create and understand DNA as a wave biocomputer, but to gain from nature a more fundamental understanding of what information [Marcer in press] really is! For the Gariaev Group's experiments in Moscow and Toronto say that the current understanding of genomic information i.e. the genetic code, is only half the story [Marcer this volume]. "

References
1. Kaznacejev V. P., Michailova L. P. Ultraschwache Luminiszenz in interzellularen Interaktionen. Novosibirsk, Nauka, 1981 (in Russian.)
2. Garjajev P. P. Der wellengenetische Code. 1997, ISBN 5-7816-0022-1 (in Russian.)
3. Peter P. Gariaev, Boris I. Birshtein, Alexander M. Iarochenko, Peter J. Marcer, George G. Tertishny, Katherine A. Leonova, Uwe Kaempf, "The DNA-wave Biocomputer" at http://www.rialian.com/rnboyd/dna-wave.doc
Comment
These experimental findings about DNA control of cellular processes mediated by electromagnetic/quantum mechanical mechanisms have not been considered by biotechnology researchers. They introduce important new elements that radically change our understanding of the workings of DNA.
Most importantly, they seriously undermine the present biotechnological dogma where DNA is treated as a micro-object that is "clipped" and "glued". In stead, so far completely unknown Quantum Wave aspects have been found to be involved that may radically change our understanding of what happens in genetic engineering.
This reveals another aspect of the great incompleteness of the knowledge of present biotechnology.


2. Quantum mechanics of the Acto-mysoin molecule
Research indicates that quantum phenomena play a role in the contractile element of muscles, see Quantum Biology. [AL]
Excerpt: "Quantum physics and molecular biology are two disciplines that have evolved relatively independently. However, recently a wealth of evidence has demonstrated the importance of quantum mechanics for biological systems and thus a new field of quantum biology is emerging... Matsuno argues that actomyosin functions as a heat engine (a device that converts heat energy into mechanical energy) that is able to maintain a constant velocity due to quantum mechanical coherence and entanglement."

3. "What is life? Are quantum states and processes at the core of living systems?"
Articles by Stuart Hameroff and Paul Davis. Both discuss the possibility that quantum processes may be a common denominator for living systems. The noted experimental physicist Anton Zeilinger has also suggested that quantum effects underlie the living state. In a 1997 paper entitled "Quantum vitalism" for the Fetzer Institute journal "Advances: The Journal of Mind-body Health" I had suggested that, indeed, quantum processes were at the core of living systems, and relevant to health.

4. Quantum phenomena and molecular evolution.
An interesting theory suggests that quantum mechanisms play a key role in the development of mutations. See Quantum Evolution by Johnjoe McFadden.
Excerpt: "...mutations on demand were termed 'adaptive mutations', as they suggested that bacterial cells could choose to mutate just those genes they needed to adapt and survive"..."The problem with adaptive mutations is that no one can figure a way that information can travel backwards from the environment to DNA, to mutate certain genes. Myself and a physicist colleague, Jim Al-Khalili, recently proposed a novel solution: that DNA may exist in quantum states that are able to sample multiple mutational states simultaneously. "

 Comment by PSRAST
These findings, and especially the DNA-biowave research (point 1.) indicate the existence of a completely new, quantum mechanichal dimension of DNA control of cellular processes. As the researchers say, "The current understanding of genomic information i.e. the genetic code, is only half the story".
This supports our opinion since several years that the knowledge of DNA is far too incomplete to justify commercial use and release of manipulated organisms. - Biotechnology is obviously playing blindfolded with the very code of life. Releasing artificially distorted GE organisms into nature is irresponsible and unjustifiable under such premises.

Back to "Does science have enough knowledge about DNA to be able to predict and master the effects of gene transfer?"

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