The principles of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) and Relativity provide a framework to understand the behavior of particles at the quantum scale and their role in the functioning of biological systems.
QED, formulated by Richard Feynman, Julian Schwinger, and Sin-Itiro Tomonaga, describes the electromagnetic interactions between charged particles and electromagnetic fields. It is based on the principles of quantum mechanics and special relativity. QED explains the behavior of particles, such as electrons and photons, through a mathematical framework called quantum field theory.
At the quantum scale, particles do not have well-defined trajectories like classical objects. Instead, they exist as probability distributions described by wave functions. QED incorporates this probabilistic nature by assigning probability amplitudes to different particle interactions and calculates the likelihood of various outcomes.
Quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement are central to QED. Superposition allows particles to exist in multiple states simultaneously, while entanglement links the properties of particles even when they are separated by large distances. These principles play a crucial role in phenomena like electron tunneling, which enables processes such as photosynthesis in biological systems.
Relativity, on the other hand, encompasses both special and general relativity theories developed by Albert Einstein. Special relativity deals with the behavior of objects moving at high speeds, close to the speed of light, and general relativity describes the effects of gravity. Both theories are essential for understanding the behavior of particles and their interactions in the context of biological systems.
In biological systems, QED and relativity principles explain various phenomena. For instance, in photosynthesis, light energy is absorbed by pigment molecules, initiating a chain of quantum processes involving the transfer of excitations and electron transport. These processes rely on the principles of quantum mechanics and the probabilistic behavior of particles described by QED.
Furthermore, relativity plays a role in understanding the effects of gravity on biological systems. Gravity influences the flow of fluids in organisms, such as blood circulation, and affects the perception of time for organisms in gravitational fields. Relativistic corrections are necessary for accurate measurements and calculations in biological experiments involving high speeds or strong gravitational fields.
Overall, the principles of QED and relativity provide a comprehensive framework to explain the behavior of particles at the quantum scale and their role in the functioning of biological systems. They allow us to understand and predict the intricate processes occurring in living organisms by combining the laws of quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and relativity.