The molecular origin of body temperature in homeothermic species

We propose the Interfacial Water Quantum-transition model (IWQ model) explaining temperature-dependent functional transitions in proteins. The model postulates that measured critical temperatures, TC, correspond to reference temperatures, TW, defined by rotational quantum transitions of temporarily free water molecules at the protein-water interface. The model's applicability is demonstrated through transitions in hemoglobin and thermosensitive TRP channels. We suggest this mechanism also defines basal body temperatures in homeotherms, with TW=36.32 degrees C for humans. We demonstrate that human (mammal) and chicken (Aves) body temperatures align with specific reference temperatures, and correlate with pronounced transitions at TC in hemoglobin oxygen saturation. This suggests evolutionary adaptations in homeotherms involve an interplay between oxygen supply and water's rotational transition temperatures. The IWQ-model states that proteins sense and water sets critical physiological temperatures.