Uncovering quantum secret in photosynthesis

Uncovering quantum secret in photosynthesis
In photosynthesis sunlight is captured and transported by highly specialised antenna proteins. Surprisingly these proteins act as quantum machines and use a quantum transport mechanism to efficiently guide the light and finally store the energy in their reaction centres. Researchers from ICFO -- the Institute of Photonic Science in Barcelona have for the first time tracked this energy flow in individual proteins and discovered that the quantum coherences makes the light flow in the antenna protein immune to the ubiquitous external natural turmoil. Credit: ICFO


In an article published in the journal Science, researchers from ICFO- Institute of Photonic Sciences, in collaboration with biochemists from the University of Glasgow, have been able to show for the first time at ambient conditions that the quantum mechanisms of energy transfer make phyotosynthesis more robust in the face of environmental influences. The responsible, known as coherence, is manifested in so-called photosynthetic antenna proteins that are responsible for absorption of sunlight and energy transport to the centers of photosynthesis.

In order to observe quantum effects in photosynthesis, the research group led by Niek van Hulst developed a pioneering . Energy transport during photosynthesis is extremely fast and takes place at a molecular scale. To observe these processes they pushed the ultrafast spectroscopy techniques to the single-molecule limit. This involves sending ultrafast femtosecond light flashes to capture a high-speed series of 'pictures' of the states of individual antenna proteins after light absorption (during one femtosecond light travels only one hundredth of the diameter of a human hair, while in one second it travels from earth to moon). With these "snapshots" the researchers are able to understand how solar energy is transported through single proteins. "We have been able to observe how energy flows through sunlight absorbing photosynthetic systems with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. This allowed us to observe the fundamental role of quantum effects in photosynthesis at " explains Richard Hildner, first author of the publication.

Van Hulst and his group have evaluated the energy transport pathways of separate individual but chemically identical, antenna proteins, and have shown that each protein uses a distinct pathway. The most surprising discovery was that the transport paths within single proteins can vary over time due to changes in the environmental conditions, apparently adapting for optimal efficiency. "These results show that coherence, a genuine quantum effect of superposition of states, is responsible for maintaining high levels of transport efficiency in biological systems, even while they adapt their pathways due to environmental influences" says van Hulst.

The results presented raise fascinating questions. Was the exploitation of quantum effects in photosynthesis driven by evolution to achieve the extraordinary efficiencies, or in other words did quantum transport outcompete other mechanisms during evolution? Are there other biological processes in which play an important role? In the case of light-harvesting proteins quantum transportation allows extreme transport energy efficiency and robustness. This discovery could lead to new research lines aiming at the developments of a new generation of solar cells that mimic these quantum coherences for efficient energy transfer.

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Journal information: Science

Provided by ICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences
Citation: Uncovering quantum secret in photosynthesis (2013, June 20) retrieved 23 May 2019 from https://phys.org/news/2013-06-uncovering-quantum-secret-photosynthesis.html

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Jun 20, 2013
Very interesting work. See also a Feb 27, 2013 PhysOrg article entitled "On a clear day: noise-induced quantum coherence increases photsynthetic yield," and my comment following that article regarding the deep connection between quantum biology and quantum physics.

Jun 20, 2013


Jun 23, 2013

Not to worry...I'm certain someday soon a 95% efficient photovoltaic cell will rise out of the swamps - a result of random molecular collisions, the right balance of primordial ooze, heat, pressure, etc.


Jun 25, 2013
Forgive my ignorance, but would the observer effect be at play here?

Jul 02, 2013
The question concerning these whole experiments is that whether the system would show
coherence if you shine natural sun light on it. One can't generate coherent states with sun light.
