Quantum Coherence in Biological Systems

Abstract

In this PhD thesis I investigate the occurrence of quantum coherences and their consequences in biological systems. I consider both finite (spin) and infinite (vibrations) degrees of freedom. Chapter 1 gives a general introduction to quantum biology. Chapter 2 deals with the avian compass, where spin coherences play a fundamental role. Chapter 3 investigates entanglement in harmonic lattices. This is a preparation for chapter 4, which discusses quantum entanglement in the electronic degree of freedom of DNA. Chapter 5 deals with general aspects of classical information processing using quantum channels. Chemical reactions, which constitute the majority of interactions in living systems, are modeled as quantum channels. The impact of quantum noise on the classical information processing is investigated in detail for copying genetic information. Chapter 6 gives the conclusion and the outlook.