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Abstract
This study investigates the influence of quantum coherence in enzyme catalysis, aiming
to elucidate its role in biochemical processes. The primary objective is to unravel
quantum effects within various enzymes (A-F) involved in crucial biochemical
pathways. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, advanced experimental techniques
and computational methods were utilized. Quantum tunneling rates were measured
through Reaction Progress Kinetic Analysis (RPKA) with High-Performance Liquid
Chromatography (HPLC). Femtosecond-resolved spectroscopy captured quantum
coherence times, while Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy (2D IR) probed
vibrational coupling. Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy provided insights into enzyme
dynamics. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and Ab Initio Simulations
complemented experimental findings. The results reveal distinct quantum signatures
across all enzymes. Notably, Enzyme A demonstrates a quantum tunneling rate of 3.2
x 10-2 s-1. Quantum coherence times in Enzyme B showcase unprecedented
femtosecond scales, while other enzymes exhibit diverse behaviors. DFT calculations
for Enzyme E predict a 30% reduction in energy barriers. Ab Initio Simulations of
Enzyme F unveil persistent entanglement states. The observed quantum phenomena
suggest a profound interplay between quantum coherence and enzyme catalysis,
emphasizing the enzyme-specific nature of quantum effects. The implications of energy
barrier reduction and entanglement states provide insights into potential quantum-
assisted catalytic mechanisms.
Keywords: Quantum Coherence, Enzyme Catalysis, Quantum Tunneling Rates,
Multidisciplinary Approach, Biochemical Pathways
1. Introduction
An essential component of biological processes, enzyme catalysis efficiently and selectively
directs molecular changes. The complex atom-to-atom dance that takes place in active sites has long
been the subject of biological research. But as scientific research advances, it becomes increasingly
important to comprehend the quantum factors affecting enzyme reactions.1 In order to understand the
complex relationship between quantum events and biological pathways, this work transcends traditional
paradigms and investigates quantum coherence inside enzyme catalysis. Using the ideas of quantum
mechanics, the field of quantum biochemistry investigates the electrical properties of biological
molecules, especially as they relate to enzyme catalysis.2 The potential for this interdisciplinary field of
study to reveal the quantum coherence in biological processes has attracted a lot of attention. Quantum
biology uses wave mechanics to study the electronic structure of molecules, providing information
about intricate molecular interactions and chemical rearrangements.3 Since quantum biochemistry
offers a more profound understanding of the electronic structure of biomolecules, it is crucial to research
it in order to decipher the fundamental physical foundation of biological processes. This information is
especially helpful when discussing enzyme catalysis, as the several degrees of freedom involved pose
a substantial problem.4 In addition to providing a novel way to deal with this complexity, quantum
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This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/deed.en)
Frontiers in Chemical Sciences (FCS) 2023, 4(2); 54-61
biochemistry may help build efficient computational techniques for biological issues. Applications of
quantum biochemistry to a variety of fields, such as enzyme design, enzyme evolution analysis, and
functional annotation of enzymes, demonstrate the importance of this field. Furthermore, the field is
essential to the calculation of experimental observables, the study of reactive events, and the building
of sophisticated force fields at the classical and quantum mechanical levels.5 Research in quantum
biochemistry is primarily focused on finding ways to balance computational efficiency and accuracy in
order to provide techniques that can accurately characterize the energy landscape of proteins and make
mechanistic study easier. With an emphasis on enzyme catalysis, quantum biochemistry offers a state-
of-the-art method for examining the electronic structure of biological molecules. This field has a lot of
potential to improve our understanding of intricate biological processes at the molecular level by
utilizing the ideas of quantum mechanics.6 Quantum biochemistry is an intriguing field of study with
broad ramifications for the biological sciences because of its interdisciplinary character and possible
applications in many other fields. Although it has historically been connected to the microscopic world,
quantum mechanics is becoming more and more important in biological systems.7 Previously restricted
to the mysterious realm of subatomic particles, quantum effects are now acknowledged for their
potential impact on biological processes. With its remarkable accuracy, enzyme catalysis offers an
intriguing platform for exploring how quantum phenomena emerge in the biological environment.8
Historically restricted to the enigmatic realm of subatomic particles, quantum mechanics has
progressively extended beyond its esoteric beginnings to impact the macroscopic environment of
biological systems. The molecular symphony now includes audible hints of quantum effects, leading to
a paradigm change in our understanding of basic biological processes.9 With its precisely orchestrated
molecular choreography, enzyme catalysis is an ideal platform for investigating the quantum features
underlying the fundamental processes of life. The area of quantum biochemistry employs the concepts
of quantum mechanics to investigate the electronic properties of molecules, encompassing the catalysis
of enzymes. One of the main areas of study in quantum biochemistry is enzyme catalysis, which
includes the investigation of quantum coherence and tunneling phenomena. These phenomena are
essential for increasing reaction rates. This area of study has the potential to advance our knowledge of
the fundamental principles guiding enzyme-catalyzed reactions as well as aid in the creation of more
effective catalysts.10 Future applications of quantum computing to describe complicated biological
systems appear promising more accurately when it comes to quantum biochemistry. An essential
biochemical process called enzyme catalysis is controlled by a molecule's electrical characteristics.11
Utilizing the concepts and techniques of wave mechanics, quantum biochemistry provides a distinct
viewpoint on the catalysis of enzymes. This perspective enables the investigation of quantum coherence
and tunneling phenomena, which are crucial for comprehending the extraordinarily rapid reaction rates
exhibited by enzymes.12 Because quantum biochemistry can provide a more thorough understanding of
molecules' electrical properties and the mechanics driving enzymatic reactions, it has the potential to
completely transform the study of biochemistry when applied to enzyme catalysis. This could therefore
result in the creation of novel biochemical processes and the development of catalysts with higher
efficiency. Furthermore, it's intriguing to think about how quantum computing might be used in the
future to study biological systems. The precision of computer models used to research enzyme, catalyst,
and reaction mechanism activity could be greatly improved by quantum computing.13 This might result
in a better comprehension of biochemical structures and processes, opening the door for fresh findings
and advancements in the discipline of biochemistry. All things considered, quantum biochemistry, with
its emphasis on enzyme catalysis and the use of quantum computing, has enormous potential to propel
important advances in the study of biochemistry and holds great promise for deciphering the minute
intricacies of biochemical systems. 14 The investigation of quantum coherence in enzymatic processes
is a difficult task. Because of their complexity and dynamic nature, biological systems require novel
approaches that unite the seemingly unrelated fields of biochemistry and quantum mechanics. The
transformational potential of comprehending how quantum coherence influences enzyme functions is
the driving force behind this research, which goes beyond simple scientific curiosity.15 These revelations
may pave the way for the creation of innovative therapeutic strategies and enhance our understanding
of the fundamental concepts guiding biological functions.16
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This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/deed.en)
Frontiers in Chemical Sciences (FCS) 2023, 4(2); 54-61
2. Methodology
The methodology employed in this multidisciplinary investigation encompasses a spectrum of
advanced experimental techniques and computational methods, carefully orchestrated to probe the
quantum coherence within enzyme catalysis. Research approach remained to integrate cutting-edge
methodologies from various scientific domains, striving for a comprehensive understanding of the
quantum dynamics at play.
2.1. Enzyme Selection
Six enzymes (A-F) were meticulously chosen for their roles in diverse biochemical pathways,
ensuring a representative sample for the study as given in Table 1. Enzymes were selected based on
their relevance to fundamental cellular processes and their potential to exhibit distinct quantum
signatures.
Table 1. List of selected Enzymes name along with their sources.
Enzyme Name Source
A Alpha-Amylase Bacillus subtilis
B Cytochrome P450 Human liver microsomes
C Ribonuclease Porcine pancreas
D DNA Polymerase Escherichia coli
E Adenosine Triphosphatase Bovine heart tissue
F Carbonic Anhydrase Human erythrocytes
1
Enzyme A Enzyme B Enzyme C Enzyme D Enzyme E Enzyme F
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.0001
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