Page 32 - The Miracle in the Cell

THE MIRACLE IN THE CELL
cooperation within and amongst the cells that make up the body. The
cell works in great harmony with others, while maintaining its own
existence within a sensitive balance. By itself, it determines and then
produces the materials and energy it needs to maintain this inner bal-
ance. Whenever it cannot meet some of its requirements itself, it
meticulously selects the necessary materials from outside. It is so
selective that without its "permission," no substance, even one found
in abundance outside the cell, can accidentally enter through its
membrane. There is never to be found an unnecessary molecule or
one that doesn't have a purpose in the cell. All substances leaving the
cell are under the same tight controls and strict regulations.
In addition to all this, the cell possesses a defense system to pro-
tect it from external threats and attacks. Yet despite the number of
structures and systems contained within it, and the endless activity
that takes place, the average size of a cell is measured not in square
kilometers like a modern city, but in only hundredths of a millimeter.
All these amazing processes, which we have mentioned briefly
and which we will analyze separately in the rest of the book, take
place in such a tiny living thing. That is a miracle in itself.

The World's Most Advanced Factory

The cell's production system can be likened to a factory, the likes
of which have not yet been built, and which works with the most
advanced technology (Figure 1.2). This imaginary factory is a huge
facility, made up of numerous highly developed units each produc-
ing different high-tech products. It uses some of these products with-
in its inner structure, and some of them it assembles to produce new
production machinery. It exports many of its products as raw materi-
als or machinery. Using up the least amount of energy to produce the
highest yield, it is more environmentally friendly than any present
factory anywhere on the face of the Earth. It destroys its own waste
and thus almost never pollutes its environment.

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