Biophysical mechanism of animal magnetoreception, orientation and navigation

Abstract

Overview

This study introduces a biophysical mechanism underlying animal magnetoreception, orientation, and navigation in the geomagnetic field (GMF). The focus is on the ion forced oscillation (IFO) mechanism occurring in animal cell membrane voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs)—referred to as the IFO-VGIC mechanism.

Key Components

• 🔬 A review of existing hypotheses regarding animal magnetoreception.
• 🧬 A description of the structure and function of VGICs, asserting that these channels are the most sensitive electromagnetic sensors found in all animals.

Findings

• The study examines the magnetic force that the GMF exerts on a mobile ion within a VGIC, in animals exhibiting periodic velocity variation.
• The IFO equation was applied, revealing a direct connection between GMF intensity and the velocity variation rate of the animal.
• Animals with such periodic velocity experience oscillating forces on their mobile ions within VGICs. These ions are forced to oscillate and, in turn, exert forces on the voltage sensors of the channels. These forces can match or exceed those produced by voltage fluctuations normally responsible for ion channel gating.

Conclusion

• The interaction between the GMF and varying animal velocity can gate VGICs and alter cell homeostasis, with the degree of alteration depending on GMF intensity, the specific latitude, and the angle between velocity and GMF axis.
• This mechanism offers a new understanding of how electromagnetic fields, including the geomagnetic field, can directly influence biological systems and animal navigation.