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Quantum algorithms and the genetic code

Patel, Apoorva (2001) Quantum algorithms and the genetic code. In: Pramana Journal of Physics, 56 (2&3). pp. 367-381.

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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 Grovers 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.

Item Type: Journal Article
Publication: Pramana Journal of Physics
Publisher: Indian Academy Sciences
Additional Information: Copyright for this article belongs to Indian Academy of Sciences.
Keywords: Quantum mechanics;computation;database search;genetic information;DNA;nucleotide base;protein;amino acid;enzyme;quantum coherence
Department/Centre: Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences > Supercomputer Education & Research Centre
Division of Physical & Mathematical Sciences > Centre for Theoretical Studies (Ceased to exist at the end of 2003)
Date Deposited: 28 Oct 2004
Last Modified: 19 Sep 2010 04:16
URI: http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/1975

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