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What is life answered in terms of properties and activities of auto-cooperative assemblies of molecules, atoms, ions and electrons called nano-protoplasm.

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A 2004 unanswered letter to the Economist magazine requesting a retraction (and apology).

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A historically significant study that at once disproves the membrane (pump) theory and confirms that nano-protoplasm is the ultimate physical basis of life--yet so simple and low-cost that it could easily be repeated in many high school biology classrooms worldwide.

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Can we see living structure in a cell?

Gilbert N Ling

    Physiological Chemistry and Physics and Medical NMR
    |April 10, 2015
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    Summary

    The association-induction (AI) hypothesis reintroduces protoplasm, explaining cell physiology through water and protein interactions. This revisits colloid chemistry and cell structure, challenging the membrane pump theory.

    Area of Science:

    • Cellular Physiology
    • Biophysics
    • Colloid Chemistry

    Background:

    • The concept of protoplasm and colloid chemistry were abandoned for the membrane (pump) theory.
    • The membrane (pump) theory posits cell water and solutes like K+ are freely dissolved.
    • Recent evidence suggests the rejection of the protoplasmic approach was unjustified.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To present the association-induction (AI) hypothesis as a new theory of the living cell.
    • To review evidence supporting the AI hypothesis.
    • To redefine protoplasm and colloid chemistry based on the AI hypothesis.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of extensive evidence supporting the association-induction (AI) hypothesis.
    • Extension of AI hypothesis concepts with new knowledge on protein primary structure.

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  • Analysis of electron microscopy findings related to cell structure.

    • Main Results:

    • The association-induction (AI) hypothesis proposes cell water and K+ are adsorbed by proteins.
    • Cellular components exist in a high-energy, low-entropy living state.
    • New definitions of protoplasm and colloid chemistry are introduced, linking cell anatomy and physiology.

    Conclusions:

    • The AI hypothesis provides a framework for understanding the living cell, challenging the dominant membrane (pump) theory.
    • The return of the protoplasm concept revitalizes the significance of living cell structure.
    • Electron microscopy is approaching the visualization of cell structure in its living state.