Implications of Quantum Physics in Genetics - A New Paradigm
This is a thought experiment with broad implications for the
understanding of genetics
and the relation of genetics to quantum physics.
The fundamental question we are going to consider is whether amino
acids are a sufficient basis for storing all of the necessary
information for the reproduction of an organism.
Those who know what it takes to convey all of the information to build
a relatively simple machine, such as an automobile will have a better
appreciation of the analogy we are going to utilize in attempting to
answer the fundamental question. Every part that comprises the
automobile requries fully detailed drawings. Nowadays parts are often
modeled in three dimensional representations showing all of the
necessary features, to scale, so that the component can be reproduced
accurately. Then the process for its production has to be described in
sufficient detail to enable the component to be produced. Information
about what types of material it is to be made from, and what is to be
done to that material is included along with the representational
model, drawing of digital file. We also have to consider all of the
information necessary for making the machines, and operating them.
This becomes a very large amount of data. Those who work in
engineering, or manufacturing, know how much data, in digital form,
can be required for even the simplest part to be described. It is
staggering as to how much data would be required to describe all of
the machines and processes going into making that part. It is even
more staggering if one has to add the human element. Whether the part
is made by robots, or with human involvement we have to allow for the
software required to run all of the necessary processes.
Now, compare the complexity of one organ, the human eye, and its
function, with the complexity of our manufactured machines. The eye
and its function is incredibly more complex, in both structure and
function. We now need the representations for every manufacturing
detail and every process necessary to make every component of the eye,
and its related structures enabling effective sensory, perceptual, and
visual memory functions. Not only do we have to detail every
component but we have to write all of the software to make the system
function. Although we cannot put a meaningful number to the number of
bytes of data that would be required, we know that it is very large.
The software programs necessary to emulate human vision would
themselves be extremely large, and would challenge most computers.
Understanding visual information is not a simple process. Storing
visual memory is not a simple process either. The eye is infinitely
more complex than the most complex automobile. Its function is
similarly infinitely more complex than the function of an automobile.
What we then have to do is to extrapolate that understanding to
include all of the structures and functions of the entire body and the
mind-brain. If we had the means we could attempt a computer simulation
of how much data would be required to define a specific structure and
a function, then extrapolate that to give us a rough idea of how much
data might really be involved.
I am arguing here that amino acid sequences are insufficient means to
store the necessary data required to build a functioning organism.
Similarly, we are faced with the problem of data transmission which at
least cannot fully explain the transfer of sufficient software to
enable function. It is not simply a question of putting the right
molecules into place, the way bricks are mortared together onto a
newly built wall.
What I would suggest is that the amino acid sequences in the DNA helix
are in fact only the filing cabinets for the balance of the necessary
information, which is stored at the quantum level. What we have is the
equivalent of a vast hard drive that stores information at the
subatomic, quantum, level. When we look at the DNA helix, at the
molecular level we look at the file folders, without being able to see
the contents that is stored within those file folders. It is only at
the quantum level that we can find what I suggest must be best
described as a quantum holographic model of structure, linked to its
"software" programs, required for function. A quantum holographic
model would be the most probable paradigm because it appears to be the
only way to reduce the total data requirement for the complete package
of structure and function. Nevertheless, more complex functions
certainly do require complex "software" programs that a traditional,
purely mechanistic, paradigm cannot accomodate.
A further implication includes inherent knowledge, learned by
predecessor organisms, providing information for survival, not having
to be relearned with each new, successive, generation. Plato's
anamnesis, recollection of knowledge outside of immediate experience,
is then a reality, as some information could be conveyed on the DNA
helix beyond what is necessary to provide for basic structure and
function. (As a footnote, citing unpublished experiments performed
almost two decades ago, we have experimental indications that provide
some strong indications that inherent information of that type does
exist and plays a role in human reactions to their lived environments.
This accounts for such phenomena as "collective unconscious" mind,
where there is a sharing of some common threads of similar information
inherent from past generations indicating historic socio-cultural
group affinities as being definitive of its variants. We may also have
the answer to some instances of alleged "reincarnation" where entire,
historically verifiable, memories can be idenfitied without that
information being learned within an individual's own lifetime. Our
expectation is that such instances do occur, and that experiences that
are deemed more significant to survival, having had what is felt to be
a strong impact on the previous generation organism's survival, and
potentially an impact on species survival, tend to be the type of
experiences that are recorded onto the DNA helix. Studies of
"reincarnation" anomalies support that contention.)
Bob Ezergailis
Hamilton, Canada
April 13, 2007
