Page 97 - The Miracle in the Cell Membrane

arbohydrates make up 2 to 10% of the cell membrane, but always
C combine with proteins or lipids and are present in the form of gly-
coproteins or glycolipids. The glycol parts of these molecules usually
form protrusions from the surface of the cell. The carbohydrate ends that
bind to the cell's outer surface perform important functions:
- Since most are negatively charged, they cause the outer surface
of the cell to be negatively charged as well, repelling other negatively
charged substances.
- They bind the glucocalyces of some cells to the glycocalicins of
others; and in this
way, cells are bound
Carbohydrate bonds to one another.
- Most of the car-
Protein bohydrates serve as
chain
receptions to bind
such hormones as
insulin. Later, they
cause a series of
intercellular enzymes
to go into action.
Non-polarized
section of cell - Some enter into
membrane protein immune reactions.
As you see, even
Spherical
Phospholipid Cholesterol protein the seemingly small-
est detail has very
important effects in
our being healthy, reading and thinking over these lines. Everything in
your body serves a specific purpose, and as a result of the systems
that function without your even feeling them, you live your life in con-
siderable comfort. This is therefore a great blessing that we are able
to consider all these details, to see the proofs of the existence of our
Lord, and to appreciate Him better. Indeed, Allah reveals in one verse:
“. . . Only those of His servants with knowledge fear Allah. . . “
(Surah Fatir, 28)

95