Why there's no I in You?

November 25, 2024

Why there's no I in You?

There's no single or singular I in you. You are a cellular network of about 37 trillion cells. 100 billion specialized cells in your central nervous system (CNS) make up the "you" that you are most conscious about. Human life is a complex cellular network. Each cell contains the entire DNA "keyboard" with about 25,000 keys (genes) that influence the activities and functions of each cell. There are zillions of things that we still don't understand about how cellular processes work. That speaks volumes about their complexity with zillions of interactive processes that have evolved over billions of years and that continue to adapt to environmental circumstances and changes. Having said that, we can all rest assured that there's no magic involved. It's all work. In this post, we look briefly into biological cells. The more that we can learn about how cells work, the more we can gradually learn about ourselves. After all, that's all we are, a network of trillions of cells, a cellular network to experience before we die. And die we will. And relatively soon as well in less than 100 years for sure. Let's begin.

Cells: The Basic Unit of Life 

All life on Earth is cellular life. All of it. Without exceptions. Cells are the basic structural and functional units of the human body. They carry out essential processes to sustain life and are highly specialized for different functions. Here’s an overview of human cells and their key parts:

Key Components of a Human Cell

1. Membrane: Thin outer layer that encloses the cell. It is made of lipids (fat) and proteins. The membrane maintains structural stability and protects cellular components. It controls what enters and exits the cell, and facilitates communication with other cells (via receptor proteins).
2. Cytoplasm: Jelly-like liquid inside the cell. It is made of water, salts, and proteins. It contains organelles and facilitates metabolic activities.
3. Nucleus: Membraned sack or compartment that contains chromosomes and the nucleolus. Chromosomes in turn are the sacks that contain DNA strands wrapped around histones. There are 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 in total). The nucleolus is another sack that makes ribonucleic acids (RNA and DNA) and ribosomes. Interactions between ribonucleic acids and ribosomes regulate cellular activities. Ribosomes are sent from the nucleolus to the cytoplasm where they serve as "protein factories" (molecular machines linking amino acids electromagnetically to form polypeptides called proteins). A single human cell can contain up to 10 million ribosomes assembling millions of proteins. 
4. Mitochondria: Bacteria-like organelle that metabolizes energy for the cell. Produces energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through cellular respiration. Mitochondria are believed to have evolved from bacteria that were engulfed by early eukaryotic cells and became organelles within them. The amount of mitochondria varies by cell. For example, a liver cell may have about 1,500 mitochondria; a muscle cell may have 5,000; and some neurons may have hundreds of thousands or even millions of mitochondria. Mitochondria contains its own DNA, referred to as mitochondrial DNA.
5. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) (rough ER synthesizes proteins; smooth ER synthesizes lipids and detoxifies cells). 
6. Golgi Apparatus: A stack of membranes that package proteins and lipids for transport within or outside the cell.
7. Lysosomes and Peroxisomes: Lysosomes are container for digestive enzymes that break down waste, cellular debris, and foreign particles. Peroxisomes contain enzymes that break down fatty acids and detoxify cells from harmful substances like hydrogen peroxide.
8. Cytoskeleton: Protein fibers that provide structural support and aid in the movement of cells.
9. Centrioles: Cylinders that facilitate cell division. 
10. Vacuoles: Membrane-bound compartments that store nutrients, waste, and other substances.

Timing of Cellular Formation

The organelles and other components of the cell form early in development during embryogenesis

1. Cell Membrane: The basic structure that forms during the first cleavage of the zygote, enclosing the cells.
2. Cytoplasm: Present from the first division, providing the medium for cellular processes.
3. Nucleus: Houses DNA and forms early in the zygote to regulate gene expression.
4. Mitochondria: Present from the zygote stage, crucial for energy production as the embryo grows.
5. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Forms to facilitate protein and lipid synthesis during early cellular differentiation.
6. Golgi Apparatus: Essential for protein packaging, forms during early cell development.
7. Lysosomes and Peroxisomes: Form to manage cellular waste and detoxification in early embryonic cells.
8. Cytoskeleton: Develops to provide structural support and enable cell movement during embryonic growth.
9. Centrioles: Appear to facilitate cell division as the zygote undergoes multiple cleavages.
10. Vacuoles: Form in early cells for nutrient and waste storage.

Cell Differentiation and Specialization 

Different cell types are specialized for specific functions such as:

1. Stem Cells: Undifferentiated cells with the potential to become various cell types.
2. Epithelial Cells: Form protective layers and surfaces.
3. Endothelial Cells: Line blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. Regulate the exchange of substances between the bloodstream and surrounding tissues.
4. Fibroblasts: Cells that produce and maintain the extracellular matrix and collagen, playing a critical role in wound healing and tissue repair.
5. Red Blood Cells: Transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.
6. White Blood Cells: Fight infections and support immunity.
7. Muscle Cells: Enable movement and contraction.
8. Nerve Cells (Neurons): Transmit electrical signals for communication.
9. Glial Cells: Support neurons in the nervous system.
10. Bone Cells: Osteoblasts cells that build and repair bone tissue by producing the bone matrix; Osteoclasts cells that break down bone tissue for remodeling and calcium release; Osteocytes cells that maintain bone structure.
11. Cartilage Cells (Chondrocytes): Produce and maintain the cartilaginous matrix, providing cushioning and structural support in joints and the skeletal system.
12. Fat Cells (Adipocytes): Store energy in the form of fat. Help regulate energy balance and produce hormones like leptin.
13. Pancreatic Cells: Beta cells that produce insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. Alpha cells that produce glucagon, which increases blood glucose levels.
14. Skin Cells: Keratinocytes that produce keratin and form the outer protective layer of the skin. Melanocytes that produce melanin, which gives skin its color and provides protection against UV radiation.
15. Ciliated Cells: Form in the respiratory tract to protect the lungs by moving mucus and trapped particles.
16. Sensory Cells: Photoreceptor cells in the retina that detect light (rods for low light and cones for color vision). Hair cells in the inner ear that detect sound vibrations and head movements. Olfactory cells in the nasal cavity that detect smells. Taste cells in the mouth cavity that detect different tastes. 
17. Glandular Cells: Secrete hormones, enzymes, or other substances. Examples: Thyroid cells (secrete thyroid hormone), sweat gland cells, and salivary gland cells.
18. Germ Cells: Sperm cells, which are the male reproductive cells specialized for delivering genetic material to the egg. Egg cells (Oocytes), which are the female reproductive cells that, once fertilized, initiate development.
19. Immune Cells: Macrophages: Engulf and destroy pathogens. T-Cells: Coordinate immune responses and kill infected cells. B-Cells: Produce antibodies.
20. Platelets: Not full cells, but cell fragments that help in blood clotting to prevent bleeding. 

Stages of Cell Differentiation and Specialization 

In a human embryo cells begin as generic or undifferentiated (stem cells) and later begin to differentiatie and specialize based on genetic and external influences. 

1. Early Undifferentiated Cells

• Stem Cells: Form immediately after fertilization and can develop into all other cell types.

 2. Early Cells for Tissue Formation

• Epithelial Cells: Among the first specialized cells, forming protective layers and surfaces.
• Endothelial Cells: Develop to line blood vessels as the circulatory system begins to form.
• Fibroblasts: Essential for producing collagen and forming connective tissue early during tissue formation.

4. Cells for Basic Physiological Functions

• Red Blood Cells: Develop to transport oxygen as the circulatory system becomes functional.
• White Blood Cells: Begin forming to establish the immune system.
• Muscle Cells: Develop from mesodermal tissue for movement and contraction.

5. Nervous System Cells

• Glial Cells: Support and protect neurons, forming alongside the nervous system.
• Nerve Cells (Neurons): Begin forming to enable communication across the nervous system.

6. Structural and Supportive Cells

• Bone Cells: Osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes form as the skeletal system develops.
• Cartilage Cells (Chondrocytes): Develop to provide joint cushioning and support.

7. Energy Storage and Hormonal Cells

• Fat Cells (Adipocytes): Develop to store energy and regulate metabolic balance.
• Pancreatic Cells: Beta and alpha cells form to regulate blood sugar levels via insulin and glucagon production.

8. Specialized Cells for External Protection

• Skin Cells: Keratinocytes and melanocytes form to create the protective outer layer of the body and provide UV protection.
• Ciliated Cells: Form in the respiratory tract to protect the lungs by moving mucus and trapped particles.

9. Sensory and Communication Cells

• Sensory Cells: Photoreceptor cells, hair cells, olfactory cells, and taste cells form as the sensory organs develop.

10. Reproductive Cells

• Germ Cells: Sperm and egg cells form last during puberty, enabling reproduction.

11. Specialized Immune and Repair Cells

• Immune Cells: Macrophages, T-cells, and B-cells develop to protect against pathogens.
• Platelets: Cell fragments that assist in blood clotting form from larger precursor cells in the bone marrow.

About DNA and RNA 

Human life is a cellular network, and a very complex one for that matter due to the sheer amount of tiny molecules and processes involved. A cell is the creative matrix or "creatix" of life. Cells are the platforms of life. Within cells, ribonucleic acids DNA and RNA are the protagonists directing functions and processes of life. Interactions between DNA and RNA inside cells have the effect of regulating cellular activities and functions. All these activities and functions collectively lead to the physical phenomena known as life. 

DNA: The "Keyboard" of Life

DNA is a double stranded (double stranded helix) polymer (long molecule) composed of a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base or nucleotide. The phosphate and the sugar form the backbone on each strand of the helix. The nitrogenous base or nucleotide on one strand pairs up electromagnetically with the nucleotide on the other strand to form the "rungs of the ladder" in the helix. 

There are four nitrogenous bases or nucleotides in DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). These nucleotides attach to each other (A with T, and G with C), forming chemical bonds called base pairs that connect the two DNA strands. Every three nucleotides form a codon. A codon is a nucleotide trio that binds electromagnetically to a specific amino acid. Multiple codons together form what is called a gene, which is a discrete segment of DNA having a specific effect on cellular activity. A gene can many nucleotides (hundreds, thousands, or even millions), depending on the specific gene. 

Generally, a single gene consists of a sequence of many nucleotides, with each set of three nucleotides (called a codon) "coding for" (combining electromagnetically to) a specific sequence of amino acids. Different genes can have vastly different lengths, ranging from a few hundred to millions of nucleotides. 

DNA is wrapped around protein structures called histones. Histones allow long strands of DNA to be tightly packed into chromosomes by forming nucleosomes. There are 46 chromosomes in the nucleus of the cell. Each chromosomes packs about 2 inches of DNA. In total, the 46 chromosomes pack about 6 feet of DNA. 

The DNA keyboard analogy. 

The entire DNA in each cell may be conceptualized as a "keyboard" (be it a piano keyboard or a computer keyboard).  As we know, depending on what keys are played on a piano, or what keys are pressed on a computer keyboard, different output is produced. Moreover, oftentimes it is the combination of different keystrokes what produces a meaningful outcome like a song or a post. 

As different keys and sections are played or pressed on the DNA "keyboard", different output is produced. A big difference, however, is that while a standard piano keyboard contains 88 keys, and a U.S. computer keyboard contains 104 keys, the DNA contains about 25,000 "keys" or genes. Each cell contains the whole keyboard, about 6 feet of DNA with about 25,000 keys. However, not every keys are played or pressed, and many different notes and sequences are played or pressed depending on internal and external factors. 

RNA, the orchestra conductor, the lead stenographer.

Ribonucleic Acids (RNA) are polymers (long molecules) involved in the processing of the genetic information. The term genetic was coined from genesis meaning origin, noting that the cellular functions that originate life follow the electromagnetic template in DNA as copied (carried) by RNA. 

RNA is similar to DNA but has distinct structural and functional differences. Unlike DNA, RNA is typically single-stranded. RNA contains ribose sugar, which has one more oxygen atom than the deoxyribose in DNA. RNA has four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). Uracil (U) replaces thymine (T) found in DNA. Like DNA, RNA has a backbone made of sugar and phosphate groups.

Types of RNA:

• Messenger RNA (mRNA): Carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.
• Transfer RNA (tRNA): Delivers amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
• Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): A component of ribosomes, which assemble proteins.
• microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA): Regulate gene expression.
• Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA): Involved in various regulatory functions, including catalyzing chemical reactions.

Life is a Complex (Not magical) Cellular Network

Humans confuse complexity with magic. Instinctively and culturally, whatever we don't understand, we see as mysterious and oftentimes characterize as magical. By now, we should realize that science (measured observation) has demonstrated that there's no magic in this universe. It's all work; it's all energy being transformed.

Everything in this universe is energy (the capacity to do work) being "worked on", being transformed. To create is to transform. This universe is the story of energy particles in energetic movement. Energy in gravitational movement (gravity) smashing energy particles, causing interactions (forces) leading to different creations (energy transformations) such as stars, planets, and cells. 

Stars, planets, and cells (SPCs) as in "species" are the main creations of the universe explaining the interesting physical phenomena called life. All life on Earth is cellular life. To understand life and to understand yourself, it helps to learn more about cells. 

There's no I in You. 

You are a network of about 37 trillion cells. There's no single or singular "I" in you. You are trillion of cells. The approximately 100 billion nerve cells in your central nervous system (CNS) make the most of who you are conscious of being. 

Human cells are highly organized structures with specialized components (organelles) that work together to sustain life. Each cell part plays a unique role in maintaining cellular function, enabling the human body to perform complex biological processes.

Each cell is churning and working 24/7 based on the dynamic functions regulated by DNA and RNA. Each cell contains the complete DNA "keyboard". The entire "keyboard" is about 6 feet long and contains over 25,000 "keys" called genes. Zillions of little RNA strands interact with different sections and portions of the DNA keyboard acting as the orchestra conductor or lead typist in the process. 

It's all complex and complicated for sure. Let's keep learning. Knowledge helps us enjoy life. There's always more to come. The best is yet to come. You better stay tuned to Creatix to not miss out.

Now you know it. 

Live well. Die better. Enjoy. Remember that life is not a problem to be solved. The solution would be death. Life is an opportunity to embrace while it lasts. 

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