Page 97 - The Microworld Miracle

Intelligent Invaders of the Stomach
This organ has been specially created to grind up and break
down foodstuffs. The gastric acid secreted in the stomach is power-
ful enough to dissolve razor blades. Every foodstuff entering the
stomach is therefore dissolved with the help of these acids.

Researches into the causes of peptic ulcers that form in the
stomach showed that they were caused by a bacterium known as
Helicobacter pylori. How is it able to survive in such a strongly acid-
ic environment? The bacterium eliminates the problem with an ex-
ceedingly rational system—by establishing a shelter within this
highly dangerous environment. The stomach employs a mucosal
layer to prevent its being damaged by its own acid. And just as if

they were consciously aware that the acid presented a grave dan-
ger, the bacteria hide inside this layer. In order to do so, of course,
they first need to realize that the stomach possesses such a protec-
tive layer, and they must anticipate that if they settle in that same
environment, they will come to no harm.
The bacterium secretes an enzyme known as urease that makes
its environment suitable to live in. This enzyme converts urea into
ammonia—an important conversion, because the resulting ammo-
nia buffers the level of acid where the bacteria are present, and it

ceases to be potentially lethal.
Once this deadly effect has been eliminated, the bacterium be- HARUN YAHYA
gins secreting its own toxic substances, whose purpose is to neu-
tralize the immune system in the region. Conditions are now suita-
ble for the bacterium to thrive. It begins to reproduce and spread
the disease.
In fact, why do these bacteria seek to invade such a dangerous (ADNAN OKTAR)

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