In the Beginning was Information
6KezkB
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products are produced through a coordinated sequence of numerous individualprocesses. We can rightly state that we are dealing with <strong>the</strong> smallest fullyautomated production line in <strong>the</strong> world; it even has its own computer centreand its own power generating plants (<strong>the</strong> mitochondria). With <strong>the</strong>ir diameterof 100 nm, <strong>the</strong> prokaryotes are <strong>the</strong> smallest cells, while birds’ eggs are <strong>the</strong>largest. Ostrich eggs measure about 0.1 m = 10 8 nm, and <strong>the</strong> average radiusof <strong>the</strong> cells of multicellular organisms lies between 2,000 nm and 20,000 nm(= 2 to 20 µm). Large living beings consist of tremendously large numbersof cells (about 10 14 for humans), while <strong>the</strong> smallest organisms like bacteriaare unicellular. Two large classes of cells are distinguished according to <strong>the</strong>irstructural organisation, namely prokaryotic cells (Greek karyon = nucleus)and eukaryotic cells (Greek eu = good). Many unicellular organisms likeyeast cells, protozoa, and some algae, are eukaryotic, as well as nearly allmulticellular forms. Their cells contain a nucleus, mitochondria, and anendoplasmic reticulum. The prokaryotes comprise <strong>the</strong> bacteria and <strong>the</strong> bluealgae. Compared to <strong>the</strong> eukaryotes, <strong>the</strong>y are considerably smaller (only1/5,000th in volume), less differentiated and less specialised, and <strong>the</strong>y lackmany of <strong>the</strong> structures like a nucleus or mitochondria.Summary: We can now summarise <strong>the</strong> essential characteristics of energyutilisation by organisms, which is fundamentally different from technologicalprocesses:1. Iso<strong>the</strong>rmic energy conversion: Energy processes take place at a constanttemperature (<strong>the</strong>y are iso<strong>the</strong>rmic); pressures and volumes are alsoconstant. The roundabout and inefficient technological methods whichdepend on <strong>the</strong> generation of heat are circumvented.2. The greatest possible miniaturisation: One of <strong>the</strong> aims of technology,<strong>the</strong> miniaturisation of equipment, is realised in cells in a way that cannotbe imitated. The energy generating and consuming processes in an organismare coupled at <strong>the</strong> molecular level. We can rightly speak of “molecularmachines”, representing <strong>the</strong> ultimate in miniaturisation.3. Optimal operation: Each and everyone of <strong>the</strong> approximately ten thousandmilliard (10 13 ) muscular cells in <strong>the</strong> human body possesses its owndecentralised “power generating plant”. These can become operational asand when required, and are extremely economical as far as <strong>the</strong> transfer ofenergy is concerned.4. The indirect conversion of energy: Energy is not applied directly, but<strong>the</strong> ATP system acts as transfer medium from <strong>the</strong> energy generatingprocess to <strong>the</strong> reaction requiring <strong>the</strong> energy. It should be noted that <strong>the</strong>energy-rich ATP is not used for storing energy, only to carry it. Theprocesses needing <strong>the</strong> energy carried by <strong>the</strong> ATP can be of a very diverse235