Quantum Biology: Can we explain olfaction using quantum phenomenon?

Abstract

The sense of smell is an important part of living organisms. It assists with the interaction of the living organism with its environment. The mechanism by which smell is detected and identified is not fully known. Earlier, shape theory was proposed as an explanation for odor perception mechanism. This theory posits that the shape of the odorant must fit in its complementary olfactory receptor for an odor to be identified -- just like key fits in a lock. This theory turns out to have some limitations, thus leading to the proposition of new theory called the vibrational theory of olfaction. In vibrational theory, the nose is regarded as a spectroscope that detects vibration of odorants. However, this happens to be currently controversial and actively debated. In this paper, I will give a review of the history of olfaction, the challenges, and then explain some new experiments (both on human and fruit flies) that support or refute the vibrational theory of olfaction.