Searching for unity in diversity of animal magnetoreception: From biology to quantum mechanics and back

Authors: Can Xie

Year: 2022 Mar 11

Category: Biophysics

Journal: Innovation (N Y)

DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2022.100229

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8966150/

Abstract

Overview

The phenomenon of how animals perceive the geomagnetic field continues to be an enigmatic topic in science. This abstract discusses the complexity and the diverse approaches in the study of animal magnetoreception.

Findings

  • A wide range of magnetoreception models has been developed over the years, yet no singular model has achieved widespread acceptance.
  • The abstract highlights the role of Cryptochrome (Cry) in both the radical pair model and the MagR/Cry-based biocompass model for magnetic sensing.
  • It introduces a hypothesis involving an intermolecular electron transport pathway within the MagR/Cry complex, suggesting a potential unifying mechanism.

Conclusion

This hypothesis could bridge gaps between existing models and offers a new perspective on the magnetic properties of MagR and its signaling mechanisms, which is critical for understanding both biological and physical dimensions of magnetoreception.

animal magnetoreception quantum mechanics biology electron transport magnetoreception models
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