arXiv:quant-ph/0002037quant-ph
Quantum Algorithms and the Genetic Code
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Abstract
Replication of DNA and synthesis of proteins are studied from the view-point of quantum database search. Identification of a base-pairing with a quantum query gives a natural (and first ever) explanation of why living organisms have 4 nucleotide bases and 20 amino acids. It is amazing that these numbers arise as solutions to an optimisation problem. Components of the DNA structure which implement Grover's algorithm are identified, and a physical scenario is presented for the execution of the quantum algorithm. It is proposed that enzymes play a crucial role in maintaining quantum coherence of the process. Experimental tests that can verify this scenario are pointed out.
One hypothesis around the 20 amino acids relates to optimization of a quantum search algorithm [0]. Some recent work has added support to this idea [1]. [0] https://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0002037 [1] https://www.technologyreview.com/2019/09/12/133081/an-import...
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