The Amazing Power of Our Cells

It is interesting to observe that one of the simplest forms of life, the amoeba, has everything thing it needs for basic survival. It consumes food for energy; it reproduces, all in the confines of one simple cell. Multi-cellular organisms are incredibly much more complex, but they all share a common trait of starting out as a single cell. This basic cell is incapable of existing in its original state; its purpose is far greater than mere existence. The cell divides and changes into a complex organism, creating new specialized cells for new organ systems that have a wide array of purposes.

The simple cell present at conception is unassuming in its appearance, simple, yet ready to undergo a remarkable metamorphosis. Cells divide and change to become specialized cells, such as muscle cells, neurons and cells that make up the skeletal structure. The specialized cells within the eye are incredible. Some cells become clear, allowing light to pass through, while the cells at the back of the eye transform light into electro-chemical signals that are transmitted to the brain. The specialized cells within the ear convert sound waves into electro-chemical signals and are transmitted to the brain. Olfactory cells pick up free floating molecules and convert them, transmitting odors to the brain through nerve cells. Other specialized cells detect changes in pressure or variations in temperature. Others aid in digestion, breaking down food into usable energy.

The cells within the brain are some of the most amazing specialized cells, they process and store information in a series of chemical reactions. The human mind works in a mostly unknown fashion, the understanding of which is still mostly elusive to modern science.

The question that could be asked is how does this simple one cell know to divide and become all the different specialized cells that make up the complete organism? All humans start out as this one basic cell, and all humans essentially have the same biological layout. The physical appearance varies, but all are in general, built on the same format. Each has the same basic layout of internal biological systems that are needed for survival. The key lies in the DNA at the heart of that first simple cell. Somewhere within the combination of molecules that make up human DNA are instructions that lay out the process for building a human being out of a simple foundation of one cell. The instructions follow the same basic pattern for all humans.

Is there perfection in the blueprint of life, the DNA? It would appear that there is not perfection in the development of the human form. Development can be altered and change within the womb and physical and mental changes can occur. The end result is a human that may suffer from physical or mental problems. It would seem that DNA may be subject to error from time to time. It is an imperfect organic process.

The idea that the instruction of the development of the human form comes from DNA is widely accepted, yet some wonder why or how the DNA develops the instructions to develop the variety of specialized cells that make up complex life. Some often look to a realm beyond what has been discovered, to the concept of a supreme being. Some would say that the instructions within the DNA are part of a divine plan of existence. The mysteries of life, in its origins and continued growth remain a challenge for humanity to discover.