Page 167 - The Miracle of Hormones

The Zip Code System Within Cells

three-dimensional shape. In
this situation, it is impossible
for protein molecules to pass
from the membrane of the
endoplasmic reticulum be-
cause the passage channel on
its membrane is only
0.000000002 meter in diameter.
But here we see the existence
of a perfect previously de-
signed plan because this prob-
lem has already been solved in The problem of where newly produced
proteins will go and how they will go has
the production stage. The ribo-
been solved by a zip code system similar
some that produces the protein to that used by humans.
produces it in the shape of an
uncontorted chain. The structure of this chain makes it possible for the
protein to pass through the channel. After the passage is complete, the
channel is closed until another passage occurs. The work of the code sec-
tion in the protein that enters the endoplasmic reticulum comes to an end.
For this reason, this section is separated from the protein by particular en-
zymes; afterwards, the protein folds and takes on its final three dimen-
sional appearance. This situation is like what happens after the letter has
reached its destination; the function of the zip code written on the envel-
ope comes to an end. How these enzymes can act consciously and know
which of the hundreds, sometimes thousands of amino acids on the pro-
tein they will tear off is another wonder. If they tear off any one of the
amino acids that make up the protein, other than those that compose the
code, the protein may become useless. As we see, at every stage many
particles act with consciousness and responsibility. It is a plain fact that
this conscious sense of responsibility cannot belong to tiny molecules.
The fact is that the cooperation among the molecules that have a role
in these complex functions—proteins, SRP, protein zip codes, ribosomes,
receptors, protein channels, enzymes, plasma membranes and other com-

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