Quantum Tunneling Revolutionizes Enzyme Evolutionary Theory

Researchers from Uppsala University and the Max Planck Institute have discovered that quantum tunneling—where particles pass through seemingly impassable energy barriers—may significantly accelerate the evolution of enzymes. Published in PNAS, the study found that certain dehalogenase enzymes evolved rapidly to break down synthetic chemicals through quantum tunneling, with hydrogen atoms bypassing energy barriers at rates up to 80 times higher than classical models predict. This research bridges the fields of quantum physics and evolutionary biology, suggesting that life may have evolved specific protein structures that protect and exploit quantum phenomena. The findings challenge the conventional understanding of evolutionary timescales and suggest that quantum effects may be fundamental to life's adaptability, rather than incidental. The research team employed sophisticated techniques, including kinetic isotope effect measurements and computational simulations, to distinguish between quantum processes and classical ones. They are now investigating whether similar quantum tunneling effects might accelerate evolution in other enzyme families, particularly those involved in antibiotic resistance.

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