Do living systems exploit quantum resources? This essay argues: in specific modules, coherence, entanglement, and tunneling boost sensing and energy transfer. I frame this with a compact update rule, πₙ₊₁ = Φ(πₙ) + ν, where structured quantum “kicks” (ν) nudge classical dynamics (Φ). The claim is empirical: a size-optimized “quantum window” should appear in neural organoids, with peak coherence near 150 μm. I propose a preregistered test—diameter sweep, NV-diamond relaxometry or ultrafast readout, and phase-specific RF-jitter—evaluated by a resource-gap index against classical baselines. Complementary probes revisit photosynthesis, radical-pair magnetoreception, olfaction, and DNA tunneling to separate quantum assistance from classical mimicry. This is not mystical; if no peak emerges or RF has no phase-specific effect, the hypothesis is disconfirmed.
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