Biophys J. 2009 Apr 22;96(8):3451-7.
Magnetic compass of birds is based on a molecule with optimal directional sensitivity.
Ritz T, Wiltschko R, Hore PJ, Rodgers CT, Stapput K, Thalau P, Timmel CR, Wiltschko W.
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Irvine, California, USA.
Abstract
The avian magnetic compass has been well characterized in behavioral tests: it is an "inclination compass" based on the inclination of the field lines rather than on the polarity, and its operation requires short-wavelength light. The "radical pair" model suggests that these properties reflect the use of specialized photopigments in the primary process of magnetoreception; it has recently been supported by experimental evidence indicating a role of magnetically sensitive radical-pair processes in the avian magnetic compass. In a multidisciplinary approach subjecting migratory birds to oscillating fields and using their orientation responses as a criterion for unhindered magnetoreception, we identify key features of the underlying receptor molecules. Our observation of resonance effects at specific frequencies, combined with new theoretical considerations and calculations, indicate that birds use a radical pair with special properties that is optimally designed as a receptor in a biological compass. This radical pair design might be realized by cryptochrome photoreceptors if paired with molecular oxygen as a reaction partner.
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NOTA DESTE BLOGGER:
Note a linguagem teleológica do abstract e as conclusões teleológicas dos autores. Até onde sei, os autores não são teóricos do Design Inteligente e nem defendem nossas teses.
E ainda têm a cara de pau de dizer que Darwin eliminou o design da biologia em 1859. Nada mais falso!!! Darwin, sinto muito, mas a sua teoria da evolução através da seleção natural nunca foi a maior ideia que toda a humanidade já teve, muito menos a teoria científica tão corroborada como a lei da gravidade, e muito tão certa assim como a Terra gira em torno do Sol. O que temos, é muita retórica e a blindagem de sua teoria a quaisquer críticas e pedidos de revisão.
Ué, desde quando a ciência funciona no vazio epistêmico? Sob qual referencial teórico fazemos agora biologia evolucionária???
