A comparative study on q-deformed fermion oscillators

In this paper, the algebras, representations, and thermostatistics of four types of fermionic q-oscillator models, called fermionic Newton (FN), Chaichian-Kulish-Ng (CKN), Parthasarathy-Viswanathan-Chaichian (PVC), Viswanathan-Parthasarathy-Jagannathan-Chaichian (VPJC), are discussed. Similarities and differences among the properties of these models are revealed. Particular emphasis is given to the VPJC-oscillators model so that its Fock space representation is analyzed in detail. Possible physical applications of these models are concisely pointed out.Comment: 32 pages, 2 figures, to appear in Int. J. Theor. Phys. (IJTP

On the Role of Microtubules in Cognitive Brain Functions

n this article we review the role microtubules (MTs) have been conjectured to play as a substrate for information processing and signaling mechanisms in the brain at a sub-cellular level. We discuss their structure, known biophysical functions and theoretical predictions related to signaling, conduction and transport, all of which may contribute to pre-conscious processing at a molecular level. Major criticisms of microtubule information processing based concepts of cognitive brain function are examined, and the progress in work addressing these issues is also discussed. It is concluded that the question of whether any of these processes operate at a quantum level is still open to debate and speculation

Self-organization and entropy reduction in a living cell

10.1016/j.biosystems.2012.10.005BioSystems11111-10BSYM

Nonlinear ionic pulses along microtubules

Microtubules are cylindrically shaped cytoskeletal biopolymers that are essential for cell motility, cell division and intracellular trafficking. Here, we investigate their polyelectrolyte character that plays a very important role in ionic transport throughout the intra-cellular environment. The model we propose demonstrates an essentially nonlinear behavior of ionic currents which are guided by microtubules. These features are primarily due to the dynamics of tubulin C-terminal tails which are extended out of the surface of the microtubule cylinder. We also demonstrate that the origin of nonlinearity stems from the nonlinear capacitance of each tubulin dimer. This brings about conditions required for the creation and propagation of solitonic ionic waves along the microtubule axis. We conclude that a microtubule plays the role of a biological nonlinear transmission line for ionic currents. These currents might be of particular significance in cell division and possibly also in cognitive processes taking place in nerve cells

Bioferroelectricity at the Nanoscale

This article discusses the dielectric properties of several biomolecules and biomolecular assemblies, especially PVDF, tubulin and microtubules as well as voltage-gated ion channels. The emphasis in this paper is placed on identifying the potential for the occurrence of bio-ferroelectricity and its role in biological functions, in particular self-assembly and control of mass and charge transport. Detailed discussion is given on the experimental and theoretical estimates of the value of the dielectric constant of tubulin as a crucial quantity defining both ferroelectric and conductive properties of microtubules. A critical need is stated for experimental data at the level of individual nano-scale components forming biological structures

Microtubule Ionic Conduction and its Implications for Higher Cognitive Functions

The neuronal cytoskeleton has been hypothesized to play a role in higher cognitive functions including learning, memory and consciousness. Experimental evidence suggests that both microtubules and actin filaments act as biological electrical wires that can transmit and amplify electric signals via the flow of condensed ion clouds. The potential transmission of electrical signals via the cytoskeleton is of extreme importance to the electrical activity of neurons in general. In this regard, the unique structure, geometry and electrostatics of microtubules are discussed with the expected impact on their specific functions within the neuron. Electric circuit models of ionic flow along microtubules are discussed in the context of experimental data, and the specific importance of both the tubulin C-terminal tail regions, and the nano-pore openings lining the microtubule wall is elucidated. Overall, these recent results suggest that ions, condensed around the surface of the major filaments of the cytoskeleton, flow along and through microtubules in the presence of potential differences, thus acting as transmission lines propagating intracellular signals in a given cell. The significance of this conductance to the functioning of the electrically active neuron, and to higher cognitive function is also discussed