Photosynthesis in plants : Is it a quantum computer?

TurquoiseMeadowlark

This essay investigates the covert quantum processes of leaves and how they demonstrate that photosynthesis is not a chemical process but a statement of quantum coherence. Through the observation of how photons search through many different paths at the same time, the essay refers to the deep affinity between quantum mechanics, consciousness, and life. In a metaphor of a "quantum garden," it highlights that ecosystems and societies flourish on diversity and interdependence.

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ShockwaveRider

English is not that hard a language to learn but, is self-contradictory, so your garden becomes a meaningless metaphor.

Ulla Mattfolk

Half a page only? Why? This is interesting as it is the roots of a plant that is its brain, no nerves. Lives in water, so here we could learn something... Chlorophyll has been shown to work quantum, so why not the roots? Shame on you... This contest has become a joke. /Ulla.

AloBiof98

The text is literarily captivating, but conceptually loose. It transforms a real finding in biophysics, the quantum coherence observed in photosynthesis, into a metaphorical argument that extrapolates far beyond what the evidence supports. The transition from quantum physics in leaves to ideas about consciousness and global ecological networks sounds more like mysticism cloaked in scientific terminology than grounded reflection. The analogy between "leaves as quantum computers" and "consciousness as an expression of the fundamental laws of the universe" is poetic, but lacks any verifiable empirical basis.

Furthermore, the text confuses inspiration with explanation. In attempting to merge science and philosophy under an aesthetic of totality and interconnectedness, it dilutes the criteria of rigor that distinguish critical reflection from metaphysical speculation. The result is a beautiful but intellectually fragile narrative—an exercise in scientific imagination that seduces with its language but does not withstand analytical reading.

RustKite

I'm sorry but this is a poor entry. It lacks content or new ideas beyond the contest prompt.

BlackPrimate

Great essay writing, nice flow. You captured my attention with your storytelling.

But when you get to the point where you state "What does that mean? Perhaps the real world isn't particles and waves, but information—quantum information—in all living processes.", you lose me with the sudden introduction of quantum information.

--> How does quantum information relate to the previously described action of the wave function of the photon in the leaf?

"Today, the "quantum garden" metaphor can perhaps take us to the most primitive structure of the universe."

--> I like your quantum garden metaphor, but I would like to have seen some more elaboration on the metaphysics of entanglement and the structure of the universe in space and time as you see it, as you say "entanglement suggests the universe is one web of connection where distance is relative and all things are connected."

--> You can state this, but I would like to know how you see this yourself, before I have to believe the truth of your vision. If you cannot see it, how am I supposed to see it?

All-in-all very poetic, but I am missing the plot and some elaboration. But it was pleasant to read.