Natural Selection and Evolution

Implications for the Self replicating RNA Molecule

The implications for the self replicating RNA molecule are profound. Its primary structure (the sequence of RNA bases that enable self- replication) must always preserve self-replication. This greatly reduces the number of tries. Instead of accumulating ~ 10³⁰ tries each year maybe such a system of self replicators only accumulates a few billion. Its tree is very short, and even given a billion years to evolve not much will happen. Very little if any new information will be created.

        In conclusion, this chapter made some important calculations. These calculations show that the size and age of the universe do not offset the poor odds associated with the origin of life. These calculations also show that the first self-replicating RNA molecule would have quite a bit of trouble creating new information as its structure and function are preserved by its need to self- replicate.

       Perhaps the most interesting calculation in this chapter is that proteins and genes contain quite a bit of molecular knowledge. Even fast replicating systems (like modern bacteria) may have trouble creating new proteins.

       Science can hide behind the naturalistic axiom for only so long. It does not have a good explanation for the origin of life, and it does not appear that one is forthcoming anytime soon.

References:

6) Whitman, Coleman, Wiebe, "Prokaryotes: The Unseen Majority," PNAS, 95:6578-65-83, 1998.

7) Watson et al, Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fifth Edition, Cold Spring Harbor, 2004.

8) Thaxton, Bradley, Olsen, The Mystery of Life’s Origin: Reassessing Current Theories, Philosophical Library, 1984.

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