1. Quantum Processes in Microtubules

• Quantum superposition occurs in microtubules, where tubulin proteins (their building blocks) exist in multiple states simultaneously[1][3][6].
• These quantum states are shielded from environmental interference (decoherence) due to the microtubules' lattice structure and isolation within neurons[4][6].
• Quantum coherence—a synchronized quantum state—could span large neural networks via gap junctions (electrical connections between neurons)[7][8].

2. Penrose's Objective Reduction (OR)

• Quantum gravity threshold: Superpositions in microtubules persist until reaching a critical mass-energy separation, causing spontaneous collapse (objective reduction). This collapse is governed by spacetime geometry at the Planck scale[3][6][8].
• Non-computable influence: The collapse outcome isn’t random or deterministic but influenced by "protoconscious" properties embedded in spacetime itself[3][6]. This links consciousness to fundamental physics.

3. The "Quantum Antenna" Analogy

• Detect/transmit quantum information: By leveraging quantum coherence, microtubules could process information beyond classical limits, acting as receivers or transmitters of quantum-level phenomena[4][6].
• Interface with spacetime geometry: Penrose suggests OR events reconfigure spacetime at microscopic scales, implying the brain interacts with universal quantum fields[6][8].

4. Criticisms and Challenges

• Decoherence issues: Critics argue the brain’s warm, wet environment would disrupt quantum states too quickly for meaningful computation[2][7].
• Lack of empirical evidence: No experiments have conclusively demonstrated quantum processes in microtubules affecting consciousness[7].
• Alternative theories: Mainstream neuroscience attributes consciousness to classical neural networks, not quantum effects[5][7].