Page 98 - The Cell in 40 Topics
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The Cell in 40 Topics
Figure 77.
The antennae on cell
membranes perceive
the messages reaching
them.
That part of the antenna that protrudes from the cell membrane is
shaped somewhat like the dishes used to collect satellite broadcasts. In the
same way that each satellite dish is directed towards the emissions of a
given particular satellite, so different antennae understand the languages
of the messages carried by different hormonal messengers.
Messages from other cells—in the form of hormones—make contact
with the antennas along the cell membrane. However, each antenna has
been designed in such a way as to perceive only one chemical message.
This is the work of a very special creation. In this way, one message sent
does not erroneously set another cell into action (Figure 78).
Both the hormones and corresponding antennas have been created in
such harmony with one another that almost all biology textbooks describe
this relationship as resembling that between a lock and a key. Only the
right key can open the lock; in other words, only the right antenna can ad-
dress the message sent, which message meaning nothing to any other an-
tenna (Figure 79).
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