Page 30 - The Miracle of Protein

28 THE MIRACLE OF PROTEIN

Proteins have duties almost everywhere: for example, the
cell membrane becomes functional by means of proteins. The
DNA, where the information on constructing the proteins is
kept, can be functional only by the help of those proteins carry-
ing out control and maintenance duties.

The order of the atoms inside the molecules is so sensitive
and crucial that if the atoms of a single protein fail to align
themselves properly, this can cause irreparable damage to the
body in a matter of seconds. As an example, consider the phe-
nomenon of vision. In the eye, which has a far superior technol-
ogy than even the most advanced cameras, many proteins are

involved in its ability to see. Just as in a camera, a number of
components are responsible for the image to form. A defect in
any one of a camera's components will lead to either a defective
image forming, or none at all. In the same way, if even one of the
proteins in the eye fails to possess its correct molecular struc-

ture, vision may suddenly be impaired. For example, the protein
rhodopsin permits the eye to react to light. The slightest defect
in the structure of rhodopsin will impair this process. Similarly,
defects in the structure of proteins in the retina's cone cells
(which enable the perception of color) will prevent the sufferer
from being able to see in color. Another example is a medical

condition named cataract, which develops when the protein
melanin is unable to protect the eye from the harmful effects of
ultraviolet rays.
As you can see from these examples, proteins must possess
the most appropriate molecular structures if they are to perform

their essential duties. Therefore, it is equally essential that the
amino acid molecules composing the proteins should also be in
their ideal forms. Just as with proteins, detailed systems and
flawless functions prevail in the structure of these amino acids.