Page 172 - The Miracle of Protein

170 THE MIRACLE OF PROTEIN

bombs in each of our cells, we comfortably carry on with our
daily lives. This is possible only because God created a perfect
system for our protection.

Special agents created to
scavenge iron

Although iron is one of the most abundant elements in na-

ture, since it is an active atom, free iron ions are scarce. How-
ever, even small amounts of free iron would be enough to poi-
son us. For this reason, God created dedicated proteins in our
bodies which are charged with binding to iron atoms in order
to reduce the level of iron ions. 81

All living structures require iron to survive, including bac-
teria. But how can the bacteria remain alive in such harsh con-
ditions? The answer offers another miracle. The bacteria release

agent proteins called siderophores into the extracellular space
in order to take in the iron.