Page 154 - The Miracle of Protein

152 THE MIRACLE OF PROTEIN

duty is arranging the electricity and water pressure and these
systems are crucial for the continuation of life. However, in or-
der for the system to function properly, once again proteins are
required. These proteins build special channels for the
entry/exit of these electrolytes into and from the cell while oth-
ers act as engines.

Potassium levels are higher outside the cell, but lower in-
side the cell. Sodium, on the other hand, is lower inside the cell,
and higher outside the cell. This ratio is crucial for energy
needs. A very special pump uses energy to pump the sodium
atoms outside and potassium ions inside. This ensures different

levels of electrolytes on either side of the cell membrane.
Most of the cellular fuel is devoted to these pumps and
their pumping activity. There is a display of amazing con-
sciousness here. If these sensitive levels are not preserved, the
cell will die. But who makes these precise measurements and
constantly ensures the maintenance of these levels in a very

conscious manner?

Why Does The Cell Need Electrolytes?
For Osmosis Balance

Cells can exist in a number of external environments. One
of the most basic conditions for the sustaining of the cell is its
resilience in different levels of viscosity, variations which cause

the cell to either lose or takes in water, depending on the con-
centration of the environment. If this movement of water in
and out of the cell is not kept under control, the cell might ei-
ther dry up or swell. One of the most important duties of elec-