Page 74 - The Miracle in the Atom

THE MIRACLE IN THE ATOM

links is because its chains are not exclusively linear. Chains may be branc-
hed, as they may also form polygons.
At this point, the form of the chain plays a very important role. In two

carbon compounds, for example, if the carbon atoms are the same in number
yet combined in different forms of chains, two different substances are for-
med. The abovementioned characteristics of the carbon atom produce mole-
cules that are critical for life.
Some carbon compounds' molecules consist of just a few atoms; others
contain thousands or even millions. Also, no other element is as versatile as
carbon in forming molecules with such durability and stability. To quote Da-

vid Burnie in his book Life:

THREE SIMILAR MOLECULES
RESULT: THREE VERY DIFFERENT SUBSTANCES

Even a difference in a few atoms between molecules leads to very different re-
sults. For instance, look carefully at the two molecules written below. They both
seem very similar except for very small differences in their carbon and hydrogen
components. The result is two totally opposite substances:
C H O and C H O
18 24 2 19 28 2
Can you guess what these molecules are? Let us tell you immediately: the first is
oestrogen, the other is testosterone. That is, the former is the hormone responsib-
le for female characteristics and the latter is the hormone responsible for male
characteristics. Most interestingly, even a difference of a few atoms can cause se-
xual differences.
Now take a look at the formula below.
C H O
6 12 2
Doesn't this molecule look very much alike the oestrogen and testosterone hor-
mone molecules? So, what is this molecule, is it another hormone? Let us answer
right away: this is the sugar molecule.
From the examples of these three molecules made up of elements of the same
type, it is very clear how diverse the substances are that the difference in the num-
ber of atoms may produce. On the one hand, there are the hormones responsible
for sexual characteristics, while on the other hand, there is sugar, a basic food.

72