Quantum Biology Reveals the Hidden Mechanism of DNA Mutations

Spontaneous mutation capacity of the DNA can now be explained using quantum mechanics as per a study at the University of Surrey, published in the journal Nature Communications Physics. DNA, formed by double helical strands, is considered the molecular basis of life with its astounding replication precision. It was discovered in 1952 by James Watson and Francis Crick based on the work of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins.

Unraveling the DNA Mutations

The double helix strands of the DNA are linked together by subatomic particles called protons (the nuclei of atoms of hydrogen), which provide the glue for the strict bonding of their molecules together (DNA bases called A, C, T, and G where A always bonds to T and C always to G).

However, the precise DNA mechanism may sometimes go awry, leading to mutations — errors in the copying of information. Mutations generally occur as a result of break down of their bases’ strict pairing rule, thereby causing mild to drastic body changes, including cancers.

The study team used sophisticated computer modeling, open quantum systems to untangle the strange rules of the quantum world and decode the mutation in DNA.

Quantum Secrets in Biology

It is shown that the modification in the bonds between the DNA strands is far more prevalent than has hitherto been thought as protons can easily jump from their usual site on one side of an energy barrier to land on the other side.

However, if these changes happen just before the two strands are unzipped in the first step of the copying process, then the error can pass through the replication machinery in the cell, leading to what is called a DNA mismatch and, potentially, a mutation.

Although it was previously thought that the quantum behavior could not occur inside a living cell’s warm, wet and complex environment, an Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger had earlier suggested in his 1944 book (What is Life?) that quantum mechanics can play a role in living systems since they behave rather differently from inanimate matter — re-enforcing the Schrödinger’s theory.

“The protons in the DNA can tunnel along the hydrogen bonds in DNA and modify the bases which encode the genetic information. The modified bases are called "tautomers" and can survive the DNA cleavage and replication processes, causing "transcription errors" or mutations,” says Dr. Louie Slocombe, who performed these calculations during his PhD at the University of Surrey.

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The study, therefore, provides breakthrough evidence on how quantum mechanics may play a significant role in biological systems — by proving the quantum effects in DNA. These findings may pave better treatment strategies against genetic errors.

Source-Medindia