ULTIMATE COMPUTING - Quantum Consciousness Studies

Models of Cytoskeletal Computing 169
Figure 8.4: Centriole in cross section is comprised of nine triplet MT angled like
“Venetian blinds” from centriole axis. Centriole pairs consist of perpendicular
cylinders. Albrecht-Buehler (1985) contends these features are ideally suited for
signal detection. Bornens suggests rotatory oscillations of centrioles leading to
gyroscopic function. By Paul Jablonka.
Albrecht-Buehler (1985) has also considered a mechanism for signal
propagation along microtubules. He considers that each MT protofilament is a
chain of alpha-beta tubulin dimers: AB, AB, AB, ..., AB. Within the wall of a
microtubule each monomer is in contact with other monomers of the same
protofilament and with those of adjacent protofilaments. Each monomer is
consequently subject to attractive Van der Waals forces from surrounding tubulin
monomers which hold together the protofilaments and MT cylinders. Albrecht-
Buehler proposed that each of these interactions must weaken the A-B dimer
bond; consequently the wall of a microtubule exists in a state of resonance as to
the relative strengths of the intermonomeric bonds. For example, (A-B) (A-B) ...
(A-B) (A-B) could resonate with (A) (B-A) (B-A) ... (B-A) (B). Such a resonating
chain could propagate information at close to the speed of light.
Albrecht-Buehler is suggesting a coherent communicative resonance among
protein conformational states within MT assemblies.