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Magnetism, entropy, and the first nano-machines

  • Review Article
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Central European Journal of Physics

Abstract

The efficiency of bio-molecular motors stems from reversible interactions ∼ k B T; weak bonds stabilizing intermediate states (enabling direct conversion of chemical into mechanical energy). For their (unknown) origins, we suggest that a magnetically structured phase (MSP) formed via accretion of superparamagnetic particles (S-PPs) during serpentinization (including magnetite formation) of igneous rocks comprising the Hadean Ocean floor, had hosted motor-like diffusion of ligand-bound S-PPs through its ‘template’-layers. Ramifications range from optical activity to quantum coherence. A gentle flux gradient offers both detailed-balance breaking non-equilibrium and asymmetry to a magnetic dipole, undergoing infinitesimal spin-alignment changes. Periodic perturbation of this background by local H-fields of templatepartners can lead to periodic high and low-template affinity states, due to the dipole’s magnetic degree of freedom. An accompanying magnetocaloric effect allows interchange between system-entropy and bath temperature. We speculate on a magnetic reproducer in a setting close to the submarine hydrothermal mound-scenario of Russell and coworkers that could evolve bio-ratchets.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 39 Cite de l’Ocean, Montgaillard, St. Denis, 97400, Reunion, France

    Gargi Mitra-Delmotte

  2. Department of Physics, Delhi University, 244 Tagore Park, Delhi, 110009, India

    Asoke N. Mitra

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  1. Gargi Mitra-Delmotte
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  2. Asoke N. Mitra
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Correspondence to Gargi Mitra-Delmotte.

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Mitra-Delmotte, G., Mitra, A.N. Magnetism, entropy, and the first nano-machines. centr.eur.j.phys. 8, 259–272 (2010). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11534-009-0143-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/s11534-009-0143-4

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