Page 148 - The Miracle of Hormones

THE MIRACLE OF HORMONES

The reason why we use the term
"module" to describe the protein
particles that make up the commu-
nication pathways in cells is to ex-
plain that these three-dimensional
molecules fit into one another like
the separately manufactured pie-
ces of a pre-fabricated house.

layed by different cell communication modules.
The idea of a "module" used here to describe the bits of protein that
form the communication pathways in the cells is really an insufficient
comparison. This analogy explains that these three-dimensional molecules

fit into each other as do separately manufactured parts of a pre-fabricated
house. What amazes scientists is the structure that emerges as a result of
adding phosphate onto the receptors is a shape with which the SH2 mod-
ule can bond completely. Thanks to this, the SH2 module and the receptor
can fit into one another as if they were designed for that very purpose.
With the help of an electron microscope capable of enlarging an ob-
ject one million times, some stages have been observed which enable us
to understand the microscopic communication stations, but scientists in-
form that there are still hundreds of communication modules whose
structures are not yet understood. These cohere closely with one anoth-
45
er and form an inerrable system of signals within the cell. If one of these
modules were not in place, or if it were faulty, communication within the
cell would be completely paralyzed; this shows how extraordinary this
system is.

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