Effective Biological Alpha: Unifying the Fine-Structure Constant α and Life as an Electromagnetic Phenomenon

The Electron-Ion Interaction Potential (EIIP) is an empirically derived descriptor introduced through pseudopotential theory, representing the effective interaction between conduction electrons and atomic cores. Remarkably, EIIP depends solely on the atomic number Z, positioning it as a direct function of the periodic system. This paper revisits the theoretical foundation of EIIP and demonstrates its proportionality to the fine-structure constant α≈1/137, revealing a universal relationship that bridges quantum electrodynamics and the periodic architecture of matter. We show that EIIP can be expressed as EIIP=f(Z)⋅α, where f(Z) is a periodic function empirically determined from spectroscopic data. This insight establishes EIIP as a structural descriptor with broad applicability across physics, chemistry, and biology. Extending this framework, we introduce the concept of an effective biological fine-structure constant αbio, which quantifies the degree of electromagnetic coherence in living systems. Life is viewed as a resonant electromagnetic phenomenon, where molecular recognition and energy flow depend on synchronized electron and photon exchange. We define αbio in terms of dielectric and charge-transfer properties of biological media, and propose its deviation from α as a marker of aging and decoherence. By unifying EIIP and αbio, we establish a theoretical foundation for Electronic Biology, linking atomic periodicity with biological vitality through a shared electromagnetic language.