Page 217 - The Miracle in the Cell Membrane

Porphyrin Fe +2 porphyrin
Heme
O 2

In carrying an oxygen molecule to the cells, the hemoglobin molecule
does not bind to it fully, but grasps it from one end, as if it were using
tongs. Oxygen poisons the molecules to which it attaches and leads
them to lose their function. To eliminate that danger, hemoglobin
employs a very special method. Yet a molecule lacks the conscious-
ness to recognize danger, and the reason with which to take precau-
tions. All these details display our Lord's superior knowledge.

After the first heem group has trapped oxygen, the
hemoglobin structure changes, and greatly facilitates the
66
trapping of oxygen by the other heem groups. If the
hemoglobin combines directly with the oxygen during
the trapping process—if oxidized, in other words—then
a disorder known as methemoglobinemia results, caus-
67
ing the skin to lose its color and turn blue, accompanied
by shortness of breath and weakening of the mucous
membranes. 68
As a result of the special Creation of the hemoglobin
molecule, however, these molecules regularly carry 600
liters of oxygen every day to the 100 trillion or so cells in
your body. It is impossible for hemoglobin to know that
oxygen will damage it, to take the appropriate precau-

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