Do photosynthetic complexes use quantum mechanics to enhance their performance?

by Prof. E. Zerah-Harush And Yonatan Dubi

Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
at Quantum optics seminar

Wed, 26 Oct 2022, 15:00
ZOOM only

Abstract

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83365923992

Abstract:
Answering the titular question has become a central motivation in the field of quantum biology, ever since the idea was raised following a series of experiments demonstrating wave-like behaviour in photosynthetic complexes. Here, we report a direct evaluation of the effect of quantum coherence on the efficiency of three natural complexes. An open quantum systems approach allows us to simultaneously identify their level of "quantumness" and efficiency, under natural physiological conditions. We show that these systems reside in a mixed quantum-classical regime, characterized by dephasing-assisted transport. Yet, we find that the change in efficiency at this regime is minute at best, implying that the presence of quantum coherence does not play a significant role in enhancing efficiency. However, in this regime efficiency is independent of any structural parameters, suggesting that evolution may have driven natural complexes to their parameter regime in order to "design" their structure for other uses.

Created on 19-10-2022 by Folman, Ron (folman)
Updaded on 19-10-2022 by Folman, Ron (folman)