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Evolution Myths Part 1

Myth 1: Not all-random sequences of amino acids yield functional proteins, but some do. And as a result, given the extreme age of the universe, it is not unreasonable for some of these proteins to be around before life evolved.

• Fact: Proteins are chemicals that perform many different functions necessary for life. For example, proteins regulate chemical reactions, provide structural support, and cause muscles to contract. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. The function of a protein is determined by the order of these amino acids which in turn are determined by the order of the steps in the DNA ladder. That is genes encode the information necessary to build proteins. Chapter 5 will establish constraints on the amino acids sequences of proteins that will result in functional proteins. From these constraints, the odds that a functional protein can evolve through a random sequence of amino acids will be calculated. While the odds are not zero, they are so small that the vastness of space and time cannot offset the poor odds.

Myth 2: Not all random sequence of DNA yield functional genes, but some do. And as a result, given the extreme age of the universe, it is not unreasonable for some genes to arise through random chance.

• Fact: Since a random sequence of amino acids almost never creates a functional protein, it follows that a random sequence of DNA almost never creates a functional gene. The odds are not zero, the odds are so slim that the age of universe and the vastness of space do not effectively offset the odds.

Myth 3: In an atmosphere without oxygen, the complex chemicals necessary for the formation of life (like DNA and proteins) will be plentiful.

• Fact: The laws of thermodynamics reveal that this is not true. This myth is interesting in that technically competent scientists rejected it many years ago - yet it still persists.

Myth 4: Scientists have synthesised all of the necessary precursors for life in the lab with conditions that are similar to the conditions that would have existed on earth several billion years ago.

• Fact: under plausible conditions, scientists have only synthesised amino acids and hydrogen cyanide. With extensive investigator interference the experimenter artificially concentrates or purifies the chemicals, or decides the order of the experiment), scientists have also managed to synthesise adenine, a component of DNA, and short sequences of amino acids. Adenine and short sequences of amino acids cannot be created without investigator interference. Thus, it is unlikely that they would have existed on the early earth. Furthermore, many key precursors - phospholipids, DNA, RNA, and complex carbohydrates have never been created under any plausible conditions.

Myth 5: a single chemical can direct its own reproduction and under the guidance of natural selection evolve into life.

• Fact: such a chemical would not be able to make the transition form a single chemical to a collection of organised chemicals many of which depend on others for their synthesis.