Page 136 - Engineering in Nature

Engineering in Nature

MICRO-ENGINES IN NATURE
Some cells in our bodies possess structures that resemble tiny
hairs, whose sole function is to move the cells. For example, sperma-
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tazoa, the male reproductive cells, use their whips (flagella) to swim.
Every cell in the respiratory system has more than a hundred of simi-
lar hairs. These hairs move constantly, pushing upwards the mucus in
the respiratory channels. Tiny particles that enter the respiratory
channels are trapped in the mucus and thus expelled.
Though microscopic in size, these tiny hairs still have exceedingly
complex structures.
In cross-section under an electron microscope, they can be seen to
consist of nine separate straw-like structures known as micro-tubules,
consisting of two separate but interconnected links. The first consists
of 13 strands (or protofilaments), with 10 protofilaments comprising
the second. The main constituent of micro-tubules is the protein tubu-
lin. Micro-tubules also have an outer and an inner arm containing the
protein dynein, which serves as an engine among the cells and pro-
vides a mechanical force.
These hairs' only aim is to cause cells—or other substances—to
move. In order for this to happen, a very detailed design has been set
up. This description is just a brief and simple summary of the design
in just one of the components of these micro-hairs. That this perfect
structure should have been designed inside an almost infinitesimal
cell immediately raises the question of how this design came into
being. The rational and flawless planning in the hairs' structure
shows us once again that we are faced with a clear miracle of creation.
This detailed artistry in a body too small to be seen with the naked
eye is the creation of the all-knowing God. In one verse it is revealed:
He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens and the Earth belongs.
He does not have a son and He has no partner in the Kingdom.

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