In the Beginning was Information

products are produced through a coordinated sequence of numerous individualprocesses. We can rightly state that we are dealing with the smallest fullyautomated production line in the world; it even has its own computer centreand its own power generating plants (the mitochondria). With their diameterof 100 nm, the prokaryotes are the smallest cells, while birds’ eggs are thelargest. Ostrich eggs measure about 0.1 m = 10 8 nm, and the average radiusof the 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 the smallest organisms like bacteriaare unicellular. Two large classes of cells are distinguished according to theirstructural 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 the bacteria and the bluealgae. Compared to the eukaryotes, they are considerably smaller (only1/5,000th in volume), less differentiated and less specialised, and they lackmany of the structures like a nucleus or mitochondria.Summary: We can now summarise the essential characteristics of energyutilisation by organisms, which is fundamentally different from technologicalprocesses:1. Isothermic energy conversion: Energy processes take place at a constanttemperature (they are isothermic); pressures and volumes are alsoconstant. The roundabout and inefficient technological methods whichdepend on the generation of heat are circumvented.2. The greatest possible miniaturisation: One of the aims of technology,the miniaturisation of equipment, is realised in cells in a way that cannotbe imitated. The energy generating and consuming processes in an organismare coupled at the molecular level. We can rightly speak of “molecularmachines”, representing the ultimate in miniaturisation.3. Optimal operation: Each and everyone of the approximately ten thousandmilliard (10 13 ) muscular cells in the human body possesses its owndecentralised “power generating plant”. These can become operational asand when required, and are extremely economical as far as the transfer ofenergy is concerned.4. The indirect conversion of energy: Energy is not applied directly, butthe ATP system acts as transfer medium from the energy generatingprocess to the reaction requiring the energy. It should be noted that theenergy-rich ATP is not used for storing energy, only to carry it. Theprocesses needing the energy carried by the ATP can be of a very diverse235