Estimation of the number of biophotons involved in the visual perception of a single-object image: Biophoton intensity can be considerably higher inside cells than outside

Recently, we have proposed a redox molecular hypothesis about the natural biophysical substrate of visual perception and imagery (B'okkon, 2009. BioSystems; B'okkon and D’Angiulli, 2009. Bioscience Hypotheses). Namely, the retina transforms external photon signals into electrical signals that are carried to the V1 (striate cortex). Then, V1 retinotopic electrical signals (spike-related electrical signals along classical axonal-dendritic pathways) can be converted into regulated ultraweak bioluminescent photons (biophotons) through redox processes within retinotopic visual neurons that make it possible to create intrinsic biophysical pictures during visual perception and imagery. However, the consensus opinion is to consider biophotons as by-products of cellular metabolism. This paper argues that biophotons are not by-products, other than originating from regulated cellular radical/redox processes. It also shows that the biophoton intensity can be considerably higher inside cells than outside. Our simple calculations, within a level of accuracy, suggest that the real biophoton intensity in retinotopic neurons may be sufficient for creating intrinsic biophysical picture representation of a single-object image during visual perception.

💡 Research Summary

This paper proposes a new hypothesis about the natural biophysical substrate of visual perception and imagery, based on previous research by B'okkon (2009) and B'okkon and D’Angiulli (2009). The retina transforms external photon signals into electrical signals that are transmitted to V1 (striate cortex), where these retinotopic electrical signals can be converted into regulated ultraweak bioluminescent photons (biophotons) through redox processes within visual neurons. This mechanism is suggested to create intrinsic biophysical images during the process of visual perception and imagery.

The paper argues that biophotons are not merely by-products of cellular metabolism but originate from controlled radical/redox processes within cells. It highlights that biophoton intensity can be significantly higher inside cells than outside, suggesting a more active role for biophotons in biological functions related to vision and mental imagery.

Through detailed analysis and calculations, the paper demonstrates that the actual biophoton intensity in retinotopic neurons could be sufficient to form an intrinsic biophysical representation of a single-object image during visual perception. This finding challenges conventional views on the role of biophotons and suggests they may play a more significant part in the complex processes underlying human vision and mental imagery.

The research provides important insights into how photon activity at the cellular level can influence higher-order cognitive functions, offering new perspectives on the mechanisms of visual perception and imagery.