Page 149 - The Miracle of Hormones

Communication Within The Cell

A computer simulation of the SH3 A computer simulation of
module the SH2 module.

This marvelous communication system in the cells has a few "expert
modules" that take the message they have received from receptor on the
membrane directly to the relevant gene in the cell's nucleus. That is, these
modules have such a flawless design that they find the section of that
information contained in the DNA molecule relevant to the message they
are carrying (enough information in a human to fill a million encyclope-
dia pages). In this way, they ensure that the amount of protein required
by the cell is produced without error. That a piece of protein one mil-
lionth of a millimeter in size can be so clever and aware is a wonder.
All of these investigations show that the cytoplasm of the cell is full
of various organelles and proteins, and, once again, that the cell is the
most complex structure in the universe. The internal communication sys-
tem of the cell is an example of this. Certainly, the splendid order in the
world of cells is the order of God, the Lord of all the worlds.

The Control Mechanism in the Communication Within Cells

Different hormones have their own particular effects on their target
cells; this is necessary if the human body is to function in an orderly way.
For example, the messages carried by insulin and glucagon—the hor-
mones that adjust the level of sugar in the blood—are completely oppo-

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