Can the human brain do quantum computing?
The electrical membrane properties have been the key issues in the understanding of the cerebral physiology for more than almost two centuries. But, molecular neurobiology has now discovered that biochemical transactions play an important role in neuronal computations. Quantum computing (QC) is becoming a reality both from the theoretical point of view as well as from practical applications. Quantum mechanics is the most accurate description at atomic level and it lies behind all chemistry that provides the basis for biology ... maybe the magic of entanglement is also crucial for life. The purpose of the present paper is to discuss the dendrite spine as a quantum computing device, taking into account what is known about the physiology of the glutamate receptors and the cascade of biochemical transactions triggered by the glutamate binding to these receptors.
School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Lim 01 - HC FMUSP, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 455, SP 01246-903, Brazil. eina@enscer.com.br
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D000465:Algorithms; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D039301:Computers, Molecular; D003205:Computing Methodologies; D003712:Dendrites / Q000502:physiology*; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D011789:Quantum Theory; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology
D017470:Receptors, Glutamate; D018698:Glutamic Acid