The biochemistry of cell communication (Introduction)

by dhw, Tuesday, August 30, 2016, 12:08 (3006 days ago) @ David Turell

DAVID: > Simply put, they open pores and pass molecules:
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> http://phys.org/news/2016-08-outlines-cellular-life.html
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> "Scientists have long known that cells have various types of sensory abilities that are key to their function, such as sensing light, heat, nerve signals, damage, chemicals or other inputs.
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> "In this process, a chemical stimulus called ATP functions as a signaling molecule, which in turn causes calcium levels in a cell to rise and decline, and tells a cell it's time to do its job - whether that be sending a nerve impulse, seeing a bird in flight or repairing a wound. These sensing processes are fundamental to the function of life. (David's bold)-David's comment: This shows the body's cells can cooperate remarkably, but note the bold above. It is by molecular signals, all rapid and automatic.-You always pick out the automatic chemical processes which enable organisms to perceive and communicate (just as they do in humans), and you systematically ignore the crucial processes that determine how the information itself is processed and what is the substance of the message communicated. Why do you not consider the rest of the post?-> 
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QUOTE: "'The thing is, individual cells don't always get the message right, their sensory process can be noisy, confusing, and they make mistakes," Sun said. "But there's strength in numbers, and the collective sensory ability of many cells working together usually comes up with the right answer. This collective communication is essential to life."-The process is not automatic. It requires intelligent cooperation and rectifying mistakes. Why would mistakes be made if the whole process was automatic?
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QUOTE: "This interactive chatter continues, and a preponderance of cells receiving one sensation persuade a lesser number of cells reporting a different sensation that they must be wrong. By working in communication and collaboration, most of the cells eventually decide what the correct sensory input is, and the signal that gets passed along is pretty accurate."-What on earth is automatic about a process in which cells argue among themselves and come up with a decision?
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QUOTE: "The brain cells, in turn, send a strong signal through nerves to muscles all over the batter's body, the shoulders, legs, and especially arms. The signals arrive and once again a collaborative process takes place, deciding what the message is and how to react. -Signals are passed, cells collaborate to interpret them, and decide what to do. But all you can see is the automatic signalling molecule.
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