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Living Is Healing: Part 2 (02/16/2024)
Early models of the cell saw it as something like a water-filled balloon, with chemicals moving in and out of it through simple processes like osmosis. We now know that the substance within the cell, what is sometimes referred to as the "protoplasm", is more akin to a gel. The organelles exist throughout this gel.
The whole of it is thought to be encapsulated by a "cell membrane". Within this membrane are embedded countless organic compounds called "proteins", each of which does different tasks. For example, "receptors" receive signals (i.e.: other chemicals referred to as "ligands"). These trigger some sort of response from inside of the cell, like the opening up of various "transporters", channels that allow different chemicals to be shuttled in and out of the cell through the membrane. Some proteins, like the "Sodium-Potassium pump", require a source of energy to function. This energy is said to come from an organic compound known as Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).
This entire scheme, of the cell membrane and its associated proteins, is generally known as the "Fluid Mosaic Model". Counter to this model is the "Association-Induction Hypothesis" formulated by Gilbert Ling. Unfortunately, Gilbert's work can be heavy reading, filled with detailed experimental results in support of his findings. So, we will attempt to convey a brief and highly simplified summary of a few main points...
The general premise is that all things within the cell are tightly interconnected (hence, "Association"), and that these interconnections are predominantly electrical in nature (hence, "Induction").
More specifically, cells are made up of a huge number of fundamental building blocks that he calls "Nano-Protoplasm Units" (or NPU). Each NPU is formed out of the same components that make up the majority of all cells: water, potassium, and proteins. However, they are linked together in a very specific way. Gilbert goes to great lengths to explain how these linkages determine the transmission of electrical energy throughout the cell, and how they are affected by the presence of specific chemicals that he refers to as "cardinal adsorbents", one of which is ATP. This, in turn, controls the state of the NPU. An NPU can be either "resting" or "active".
In summary, The Association-Induction Hypothesis offers alternative explanations for many of the cell's functions, and perhaps more importantly, it provides a chemical basis for determining whether a collection of cells can be considered "living" or "dying". What can we learn about facilitating health from such a model?
Tomorrow, we will explore a subject that has always fascinated me. 再见!
Some music:
• Jonathan Ogden - Love That Never Ends
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