DNA as a Perfect Quantum Computer Based on Quantum Physics Principles
- Quantum Valley
- May 23, 2024
- 4 min read
If you attended the talk on DNA data storage at our meet-up, by Dr. Gupta, you already know a lot about DNA. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) has long been known as the molecule responsible for encoding genetic information in biological organisms. One recent nature [4] paper presented a novel theoretical framework for understanding DNA not just as a genetic material but as a perfect quantum computer. The authors of the paper, R. Riera Aroche, Y. M. Ortiz García, M. A. Martínez Arellano, and A. Riera Leal, propose that the intrinsic multiscale nature of DNA requires an understanding through the principles of quantum physics, chemistry, and quantum informatics. In this article we will take a high level look at this paper and why its exciting.
DNA Structure and Quantum Mechanics
DNA is composed of two complementary strands of nucleotides, each consisting of nitrogenous bases (Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C)), deoxyribose sugars, and phosphate groups. These nitrogenous bases pair specifically (A with T, and G with C) through hydrogen bonds, forming a double helix structure as proposed by Watson and Crick in 1953.
The paper extends this classical understanding by proposing that the nitrogenous bases engage in quantum mechanical processes. Specifically, the bases form oscillatory resonant quantum states with correlated electron and hole pairs. This process is facilitated by the molecular vibrational energy acting as an attractive force, analogous to the Cooper pairs in superconductors.
Aromaticity and Quantum States
Aromaticity in DNA bases is explained through the concept of π-molecular orbitals (π-MO), where the wave function is a linear combination of constituent atomic orbitals. The central hydrogen bond in A-T and G-C pairs acts like a Josephson Junction [7] between two superconductors, allowing for the formation of entangled quantum states that constitute the qubits of the DNA quantum computer.
Source [4] The Benzene molecule’s oscillatory resonant quantum state between electron and hole pairs. (A) Non-hybridized in-face pz orbitals of the doubly bonded Carbon–Carbon overlap. (B) Readjustment of the molecular geometry, generating the same distance of Carbon–Carbon bonds. (C) Oscillatory resonant quantum states between electron and hole pairs to explain aromaticity in the Benzene molecule. (D) The diagram shows the arrangement of an annular current in the electronic structure of Benzene’s ground state wave function.
The correlated electron and hole pairs in the nitrogenous bases form a supercurrent within the π-MO. The molecular orbitals overlap and create an oscillatory resonant quantum state, where electrons and holes continuously exchange positions, maintaining quantum coherence and stability.
Quantum Information Processing in DNA
The paper proposes that DNA operates as a quantum computer by encoding and transmitting information through its sequence of bases. Each base pair (A-T and G-C) represents a maximally entangled quantum state, which can be used as qubits for quantum computation. The RNA polymerase enzyme, during transcription, is theorized to teleport one of the four Bell states, facilitating the perfect transmission of quantum information.
Josephson Junction and Superconductivity
The central hydrogen bond between the nitrogenous bases is likened to a Josephson Junction, where an electric supercurrent is generated by the electron pairs confined within the π-cloud of the bases. This phenomenon is akin to superconductivity, where electron pairs move without resistance. The paper posits that DNA, through these quantum processes, functions as a static superconductor, maintaining a continuous current of genetic information.
Magnetic Properties and Bose-Einstein Condensate
The paper also discusses the magnetic properties of the nitrogenous bases, where the diamagnetic ring current is generated due to the oscillatory movement of correlated electron and hole pairs. This property is linked to the aromaticity and stability of the bases. Additionally, the bases are described as forming a Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) analog, where the electron pairs condense into a single quantum state, further enhancing the stability and coherence of the DNA's quantum information processing capabilities.
Implications and Future Research
The theoretical framework presented in this paper opens new avenues for understanding the quantum nature of DNA and its potential applications in quantum computing. Future research could focus on experimental validation of these quantum mechanical processes in DNA and exploring the practical applications of DNA-based quantum computers in fields such as personalized medicine, cryptography, and data processing.
Conclusion
This paper presents a groundbreaking view of DNA as a perfect quantum computer, leveraging principles of quantum physics to explain the structure and function of DNA in encoding, transmitting, and processing genetic information. The theoretical insights into the quantum states, superconductivity, and magnetic properties of DNA provide a new understanding of the molecule's role in biology and its potential applications in quantum computing.
References
Watson, J. D., & Crick, F. H. C. (1953). Molecular structure of nucleic acids: A structure for deoxyribose nucleic acid. Nature, 171(4356), 737-738.
Cooper, L. N. (1956). Bound electron pairs in a degenerate Fermi gas. Physical Review, 104(4), 1189.
Bardeen, J., Cooper, L. N., & Schrieffer, J. R. (1957). Theory of superconductivity. Physical Review, 108(5), 1175.
Riera Aroche, R., Ortiz García, Y. M., Martínez Arellano, M. A., & Riera Leal, A. (2024). DNA as a perfect quantum computer based on the quantum physics principles. Scientific Reports, 14(11636). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-62539-5
Silicon Valley Quantum Computing Group, you-tube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgO9IGNyEIs
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-are-josephson-juncti/
Introduction to Josephson Junction https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=MUXGTnilvII