I asked why quantum walk is related to photosynthesis

Answer from Perplexity:

Quantum walks are being explored as a potential mechanism to explain the high efficiency of energy transfer in photosynthesis. Here’s a simplified explanation of how quantum walks relate to photosynthesis and why researchers are interested in this connection:

1. Energy transfer in photosynthesis:
When light is absorbed by plants, the energy needs to be efficiently transferred to reaction centers where it can be converted into chemical energy. This process occurs in light-harvesting complexes containing many chlorophyll molecules[1][2].

2. Classical vs. quantum view:
Traditionally, this energy transfer was thought to occur through a classical “random walk” process, where energy hops from one molecule to another. However, this didn’t fully explain the observed efficiency[3][4].

3. Quantum walk model:
The quantum walk model suggests that instead of random hopping, the energy exists in a quantum superposition state, essentially exploring multiple pathways simultaneously[3][4]. This is similar to how a quantum particle can be in multiple locations at once.

4. Efficiency boost:
By existing in a superposition, the energy can “sample” all possible paths to the reaction center at the same time. This allows it to find the most efficient route much faster than a classical random walk[3][4].

5. Coherence and interference:
Quantum walks involve maintaining quantum coherence (a specific phase relationship) between different pathways. This coherence allows for quantum interference effects, which can enhance the probability of the energy taking the optimal path[1][2].

6. Experimental evidence:
Some experiments have observed signatures of quantum coherence in photosynthetic complexes, such as quantum beats in spectroscopic measurements[1][2]. However, the interpretation and significance of these results are still debated in the scientific community[3].

7. Potential applications:
Understanding how nature might use quantum effects could inspire new technologies for artificial light-harvesting systems or more efficient solar cells[3].

The quantum walk model for photosynthesis is still an active area of research and debate. While it offers an intriguing explanation for the high efficiency observed in natural light-harvesting, the extent to which quantum effects play a functional role in room-temperature biological systems remains a topic of ongoing investigation[3][4].

My Comment:

“The quantum walk model suggests that instead of random hopping, the energy exists in a quantum superposition state, essentially exploring multiple pathways simultaneously” — This part interested me a lot. This is pretty interesting… I will be reading it more on this in this link: https://arxiv.org/pdf/0805.2741

Citations:
[1] https://arxiv.org/abs/0805.2741
[2] https://pubs.aip.org/aip/jcp/article/129/17/174106/187931/Environment-assisted-quantum-walks-in
[3] https://physicsworld.com/a/is-photosynthesis-quantum-ish/
[4] https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/152808/how-can-one-model-quantum-walks-in-photosynthesis
[5] https://www.story.com/story/other/the-quantum-journey-in-photosynthesis?isContest=false

Related Link of Interest:

https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/quantum-wave-interference