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Protons play a crucial role in bioenergetics, as their movement through biological systems is fundamental to life. A groundbreaking study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that proton transfer is influenced not only by chemical processes but also by the quantum property of electron spin, specifically in chiral biological environments like proteins. This discovery shows that proton movement is not purely chemical but also a quantum process involving both electron spin and molecular chirality. The study, led by researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with Prof. Ron Naaman from Weizmann Institute of Science and Prof. Nurit Ashkenasy from Ben Gurion University, demonstrates how electron spin directly impacts proton transfer in biological systems. This finding suggests that the transfer of energy and information in living organisms is more controlled, selective, and potentially tunable than previously thought, bridging the gap between quantum physics and biological chemistry.
The team, led by Naama Goren and Prof. Yossi Paltiel, with contributions from Prof. Nir Keren and Oded Livnah, studied biological crystals like lysozyme, an enzyme found in many organisms. Their research shows that electrons and protons, which were once thought to move independently, are closely linked in these systems.
Traditionally, it was believed that protons moved by hopping between water molecules and amino acids, but this study suggests electron spin also plays a significant role in proton movement. The researchers found that when electrons with a specific spin were introduced into lysozyme crystals, proton movement was enhanced. Conversely, when electrons with the opposite spin were introduced, proton movement was impeded.
This phenomenon is linked to the Chiral Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) effect, which explains how chiral molecules interact differently with electron spins. According to Goren, "Our findings show that the way protons move in biological systems isn't just about chemistry—it's also about quantum physics." Prof. Paltiel emphasized that this connection could lead to the development of new technologies that mimic biological processes and provide new ways to control information transfer within cells. By combining quantum physics with biochemistry, this research offers fresh insights into the fundamental workings of life and opens the door to innovations in medicine, energy, and nanotechnology.
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Post time 2025-05-06 17:50:38