The Secrets Of Quantum Physics - 2. Let There B... Now

Plants and bacteria are shown to capture energy from sunlight with nearly 100% efficiency. They achieve this by exploiting superposition , where energy packets (excitons) travel multiple paths simultaneously to find the most efficient route to the reaction center.

The episode focuses on several biological phenomena that classical physics struggles to explain, suggesting they rely on quantum effects: The Secrets of Quantum Physics - 2. Let There B...

Al-Khalili examines the European Robin , which navigates during migration using a biological compass. Research suggests these birds can "see" Earth's magnetic field through quantum entanglement in their eyes, a phenomenon so strange that even Einstein was skeptical. Plants and bacteria are shown to capture energy

The episode explores the theory that our noses don't just identify the shape of molecules, but actually "listen" to quantum vibrations . This allows humans to distinguish between scents that have identical chemical structures but different atomic weights. Research suggests these birds can "see" Earth's magnetic

The film concludes by questioning if the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle —which dictates that certain physical properties cannot be known simultaneously—plays a role in DNA mutations, potentially driving the very engine of evolution. Program Details Presenter: Professor Jim Al-Khalili Original Air Date: December 16, 2014 Duration: 59 minutes Production: BBC Four The Secrets of Quantum Physics, Let There Be Life - BBC