42 



Life: Its Nature and Origin 



of the cell is a continuous system of exactly spaced boundaries 

 forming an orderly array of interactive components. This idea is 

 supported by histological studies ( Fig. 19 ) . This architecture must 

 be dynamic because various parts such as the chromosomes change 

 in size and shape during the cycle of growth. 



Fig. 19. The nuclear membrane of Amoeba proteus as photographed with 

 the electron microscope. Note the remarkable orientation of the imits. (Photo- 

 graph courtesy of George Pappas and the Upjohn Company.) 



An entirely different aspect of cell architecture arises from studies 

 made by Szent-Gyorgi (1956) concerning energy used in the cell. 

 Although it is known that this energy arises from changes in chem- 

 ical bonding, the question remains: How is such chemicol energy 

 converted into mechanical energy in a form available for cellular 



