Quantum Thermodynamics of Electron Transport along Chains of Redox Centers

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2607.09728v1
• Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:41:01 GMT
• Title: Quantum Thermodynamics of Electron Transport along Chains of Redox Centers
• Abstract summary: Intramolecular electron transport in biological systems is typically described as a diffusive hopping process.<n>Non-trivial quantum mechanical effects could play a functional role in the transport dynamics in certain biomolecular processes.<n>We extend the quantum mechanical model of open system dynamics by the Lindblad equation to a key biological component.
• Score: 0.9787793858206735
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
• Abstract: Intramolecular electron transport in biological systems is typically described as a diffusive hopping process, according to the semi-classical rate theories of Marcus and Hopfield combined with classical Pauli-type master equations. However, the possibility that non-trivial quantum mechanical effects could play a functional role in the transport dynamics in certain biomolecular processes has attracted increasing attention. Here, we extend the quantum mechanical model of open system dynamics by the Lindblad equation to a key biological component, the long chains of redox centers based on iron-sulfur clusters or heme groups that are widespread in many biological organisms, where they realize the cellular respiration. This approach allows to explore a wide range of physical parameters, showing key features of electron transport in these multi-domain protein structures. We pay particular attention to heat and entropy transfer between the electrons and the protein bath, which constitutes a benchmark of physical realism for the models. Electron currents, average transfer times and relative efficiency of the transport process are also explicitly characterized.

Related papers

• Quantum Field Approaches to Chemical Systems [42.13843953705695]
  Quantum-field theory (QFT) approaches to covalent and non-covalent interactions for molecules in vacuum and subject to environments such as cavities and solvents.<n>QFT provides a rich playground for novel chemical theories and insights.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2026-03-18T10:36:29Z)
• Multi-Photon Quantum Rabi Models with Center-of-Mass Motion [45.73541813564926]
  We introduce a rigorous, second-quantized framework for describing multi-$Lambda$-atoms in a cavity.<n>A key feature of our approach is the systematic application of a Hamiltonian averaging theory to the atomic field operators.<n>A significant finding is the emergence of a particle-particle interaction mediated by ancillary states.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2025-07-07T09:50:48Z)
• Quantum Effects in Ion Transport: A Thermodynamic Resource Theory Approach [0.0]
  We show that non-Markovianity serves as a key quantum resource that enhances the yield and efficiency of the ion transport process.<n>In contrast, quantum coherence, manifested as the superposition of energy states in ion-transport proteins, reduces these metrics but plays a crucial role in distinguishing between ion channels and ion pumps.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-10-04T12:54:13Z)
• Trapped-Ion Quantum Simulation of Electron Transfer Models with Tunable Dissipation [1.159879739037684]
  We experimentally simulate a paradigmatic model of molecular electron transfer using a multispecies trapped-ion crystal.<n>We observe the real-time dynamics of the spin excitation, measuring the transfer rate in several regimes of adiabaticity and relaxation dynamics.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-05-16T18:03:17Z)
• Modeling Non-Covalent Interatomic Interactions on a Photonic Quantum Computer [50.24983453990065]
  We show that the cQDO model lends itself naturally to simulation on a photonic quantum computer. We calculate the binding energy curve of diatomic systems by leveraging Xanadu's Strawberry Fields photonics library. Remarkably, we find that two coupled bosonic QDOs exhibit a stable bond.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-06-14T14:44:12Z)
• A Quantum-Classical Model of Brain Dynamics [62.997667081978825]
  Mixed Weyl symbol is used to describe brain processes at the microscopic level. Electromagnetic fields and phonon modes involved in the processes are treated either classically or semi-classically. Zero-point quantum effects can be incorporated into numerical simulations by controlling the temperature of each field mode.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-01-17T15:16:21Z)
• Quantum Computing for Molecular Biology [2.1839191255085995]
  We discuss how quantum computation may advance the practical usefulness of the quantum foundations of molecular biology. We discuss typical quantum mechanical problems of the electronic structure of biomolecules.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-12-23T09:23:04Z)
• Sensing of magnetic field effects in radical-pair reactions using a quantum sensor [50.591267188664666]
  Magnetic field effects (MFE) in certain chemical reactions have been well established in the last five decades. We employ elaborate and realistic models of radical-pairs, considering its coupling to the local spin environment and the sensor. For two model systems, we derive signals of MFE detectable even in the weak coupling regime between radical-pair and NV quantum sensor.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-09-28T12:56:15Z)
• Non-Markovianity between site-pairs in FMO complex using discrete-time quantum jump model [3.0715281567279153]
  We show the presence of higher non-Markovian memory effects in specific site-pairs when internal structures and environmental effects are in favour of faster transport. Our study leans towards the connection between non-Markovianity in quantum jumps with the enhancement of transport efficiency.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-09-02T12:49:09Z)
• Self-oscillating pump in a topological dissipative atom-cavity system [55.41644538483948]
  We report on an emergent mechanism for pumping in a quantum gas coupled to an optical resonator. Due to dissipation, the cavity field evolves between its two quadratures, each corresponding to a different centrosymmetric crystal configuration. This self-oscillation results in a time-periodic potential analogous to that describing the transport of electrons in topological tight-binding models.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-12-21T19:57:30Z)
• Evolution of a Non-Hermitian Quantum Single-Molecule Junction at Constant Temperature [62.997667081978825]
  We present a theory for describing non-Hermitian quantum systems embedded in constant-temperature environments. We find that the combined action of probability losses and thermal fluctuations assists quantum transport through the molecular junction.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-01-21T14:33:34Z)
• Quantum transport and utilization of free energy in protein $\alpha$-helices [0.0]
  Quantum tunneling and interference of Davydov solitons provide catalytically active macromolecular protein complexes. Results support a nontrivial role of quantum effects in biological systems.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2020-03-18T16:56:21Z)

This list is automatically generated from the titles and abstracts of the papers in this site.

This site does not guarantee the quality of this site (including all information) and is not responsible for any consequences.