Friday, August 16, 2013

Protein synthesis in the cell is a miracle

Every process in the body takes place by way of proteins. For that
reason, every cell needs protein at every moment.
As a result, protein needs to be manufactured in the body every second.
The place in the cell where protein is manufactured is the DNA.
When any of the 100 trillion or so cells in the body needs protein,
a message is sent to the DNA by way of hormones.
The proteins in DNA, in other words enzymes, go into action in order
to take the code necessary for the protein to be manufactured from
the DNA.
The way that enzymes find the information needed to be able to
manufacture a single protein is like trying to FIND A SINGLE PAGE in
an encyclopedia of 1,000 volumes.
That part of the DNA containing this code is opened up. Enzymes
open up the relevant part of the helix and hold it open as far as
the end of the section the relevant code will be extracted from.
There is no need for any other sections to be opened up.
While these enzymes hold open the edges of the section needed for
the code, another enzyme arrives on the scene and produces a copy
of the section in question.
The extracted copy is called "messenger RNA." The messenger RNA sets
out for the factory where the protein is to be manufactured.
The messenger RNA carefully transports the copy and leaves the
nucleus. There are gatekeepers waiting at the exit from the nucleus
during this stage. They decide what can enter the nucleus or not and
open the gate accordingly. The gate is always opened for messenger
RNA.
The messenger RNA takes the copy and departs the nucleus, carrying
the copy directly to the ribosome, the factory where the new
protein is to be manufactured.
The messenger RNA binds to the relevant part of the ribosome and
begins preparations for the manufacture of new protein.
In order for production to take place in the ribosome, the factory
in other words, raw materials have to be brought in and installed
in line with the code.
These raw materials are amino acids. These are brought in by
"transfer RNA." The amino acids are brought in and establish a
glorious protein chain, consisting of at least a hundred sequences
each.
Amino acids bind to one another with special chemical bonds known
as "peptide bonds." These chemical bonds are some of the most
powerful bonds of all. Proteins therefore have a very sound
structure and are not easily damaged by external factors.
The way these amino acids are arranged determines the nature of that
protein. It is therefore exceedingly important which amino acid
follows which in the sequence. Enzymes never make a mistake as they
establish the sequence. After the new protein chain has been
manufactured, it is sent to a special section in the factory, in the
ribosome in other words, where it assumes a special three-
dimensional form through being folded and pleated in various ways.
This three-dimensional shape created by this folding and pleating
determines the nature of the protein. Unless it is given a special
shape the protein cannot function, even if the sequence is
completely accurate.
When the chain assumes its three-dimensional form, the process is
now complete. A new protein has been built. When the new protein
departs this special section, an enzyme arrives on the scene. It
picks up the newly constructed protein and carries it right to
where it is needed in the cell.
The protein synthesis process, described here in very general terms,
takes place in every cell, 2,000 times per second. All the
components know just what to do as they carry out the process. Not
a single enzyme fails to reach its target and objective; production
never goes wrong inside the factory; the special folding of the new
protein chain is never forgotten; the messengers never get lost.
The cell is aware of the importance and delicate nature of this
production at every moment.
They know, because every part of the cell acts under our Lord's
inspiration at every moment. Every enzyme, every amino acid and
every atom that goes to make them up is a manifestation of Almighty
Allah's infinite power and omniscience. Everything has bowed its
head to our Almighty Lord, Lord and Ruler of all the worlds, He Who
is omnipresent at all times. Everything is in His knowledge and all
things have submitted to Him. Creating all these worlds from nothing
is a most easy matter for Allah the Merciful.
Everything in the heavens and everything in the earth belongs to
Him. Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the Praiseworthy.(Surat al-Haj,
64)

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