The Association-Induction AI Hypothesis

The association-induction hypothesis was in its early days known as Ling s fixed-charge hypothesis. In years following, the theory has evolved. The newer version plus results of more than 30 years of experimental testing are presented in a book called In Search of the Physical Basis of Life (Gilbert N. Ling, Plenum Press, 1984). The following is a brief sketch of the key features of the AI hypothesis. 

In the AI hypothesis, a resting living cell exists in a high-energy, metastable equilibrium state. In this state, the three major components of the living cell—water, proteins, and —are in close association. The bulk 

In the AI hypothesis, the high K and low Na concentrations are manifestations of an equilbrium state and as such require no continual energy expenditure. 

Many pieces of experimental evidence exist in support of the AI hypothesis and against the membrane-pump theory. The reader must consult the aforementioned monograph for a full discussion. Here I shall limit our discussion to two issues the adsorbed state of and the bulk phase water in living cells. 

---