Page 118 - The Miracle in the Cell
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Cytochrome
L protein
M protein
Lipid layer
Cytoplasm
H protein
Figure 6.7
Protein gates within the cell membrane have a highly complex and superior
structure. Different gates have different functions. This diagram shows the
photosynthetic reaction center of a particular bacterium (Rhodopseudomonas
viridis), made clearer with the help of X-rays. This gate's duty is to utilize light
energy for the electron-transport reaction. It transfers an electron, using energy
obtained from the sun in the form of photons, to the inside of the cell within a
nanosecond (a billionth of a second). Once in the cell, the electron is captured
by the electron-transport system and is made to take place in its reactions.
The protein complex is formed from the coming together of four different pro-
teins: (L, M, H and cytochrome). The dark regions in the upper part of the dia-
gram represent the electron-carrying proteins.
Such a highly developed mechanism for capturing just one electron for reac-
tion in an area 250 millionths of a meter, and its taking place in a billionth of a
second, are by themselves proofs of creation.
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