BUILDING OF LIVING MATTER 105 



a model by which to visualize the process, 

 the manner in which this occurs can readily 

 be shown. But it is ever to be remembered 

 that because a model, or formula, can be set 

 down upon paper it does not follow that the 

 reaction will occur. The occurrence or non- 

 occurrence of the reaction depends upon 

 the balance of energies within the radius of 

 action of each atom, which behaves much like 

 an infinitely small planet, or sun, in relation- 

 ship to other planets in the molecular micro- 

 cosm. Remembering this carefully, we may 

 illustrate a scheme whereby molecules such as 

 exist in living cells, may be built up. 



It is a curious fact in nature that there 

 seems to be a position of greater stability 

 when groups of six carbon atoms unite in 

 little galaxies or concatenations. Other 

 groups than those of six do exist, but they are 

 not so stable nor so easily formed under natural 

 conditions such as obtain in living organisms. 

 Although such groups of less, or occasionally 

 more, than six carbon atoms are formed 

 naturally by life processes, by far the greater 

 portion of the substance of living organisms 

 is built up of six carbon groups and multiples 

 of these. 



There are two main types of six-grouped 

 carbon atoms which the organic chemist 



