The concept of using microtubules in living systems for quantum computation is an idea proposed by physicist Sir Roger Penrose and anesthesiologist Stuart Hameroff. They put forward the Orch-OR (Orchestrated Objective Reduction) theory, which suggests that consciousness and certain aspects of cognitive processing may involve quantum processes occurring within microtubules in neurons.
According to the Orch-OR theory, quantum computations within microtubules could be responsible for the emergence of consciousness and the mind. However, it is important to note that the Orch-OR theory is still highly speculative and controversial within the scientific community. There is currently limited empirical evidence to support the hypothesis that microtubules can sustain quantum states long enough for quantum computation to occur.
While microtubules are fascinating structures within cells and play important roles in cellular functions, including maintaining cell shape and providing tracks for intracellular transport, their involvement in quantum computation is still a subject of ongoing research and debate. The field of quantum biology is relatively new, and scientists are actively exploring the potential quantum effects in living systems. However, much more research and evidence are needed to determine the validity of the Orch-OR theory and the feasibility of quantum computation within microtubules or any other biological structures.