Early confirmative work of the Association-Induction Hypothesis

Membrane theory states that transmembrane ion transport is the key factor in the generation of membrane potential. However, a number of research groups disagree with membrane theory and have rallied around another physiological theory called the Association-Induction Hypothesis. The latter attributes the generation of membrane potential to ion adsorption. Although this theory has been little considered, the characteristics of the membrane potential are entirely compatible with the adsorption mechanism. In fact, evidence in support of this theory has continued to emerge up to the present day. More and more people are becoming interested in this ion adsorption mechanism. More than forty years ago, Ohki and Aono unknowingly obtained clear evidence in favor of the ion adsorption mechanism, although they sided with membrane theory. The authors of this paper discuss the Ohki and Aono's work.