Dual View: Evolutionary Claims vs. Intelligent Design Evidence
| Type | Monomers | Functions | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Monosaccharides | Energy, structure | Glucose, starch, cellulose |
| Lipids | Fatty acids, glycerol | Energy storage, membranes | Fats, phospholipids |
| Proteins | Amino acids | Structure, enzymes, transport | Hemoglobin, collagen |
| Nucleic Acids | Nucleotides | Genetic information | DNA, RNA |
Carbon is the backbone of all life molecules because of its unique design:
No other element can do what carbon does. This is not coincidence - it's design!
1. What are the monomers of proteins?
2. Why is carbon uniquely suited for life?
| Level | Description | Bonds/Forces |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Amino acid sequence | Peptide bonds |
| Secondary | Alpha helix, beta sheet | Hydrogen bonds |
| Tertiary | 3D folding | Multiple interactions |
| Quaternary | Multiple polypeptides | Same as tertiary |
All proteins are made from just 20 amino acids, each with:
Proteins must fold into precise 3D shapes to function. This is a massive problem for evolution:
This is a chicken-and-egg problem that screams DESIGN!
1. How many amino acids are used to build proteins?
2. Why is protein folding a problem for naturalistic origins?
Enzymes have an active site with a specific shape that fits the substrate like a lock and key.
Induced Fit Model: Active site molds slightly around substrate for better fit.
Enzymes demonstrate incredible precision:
These are molecular machines with moving parts - designed systems!
1. What is the function of an enzyme?
~2 meters of DNA packed into a nucleus 6 micrometers wide!
| Type | Function |
|---|---|
| Exons | Protein-coding regions |
| Introns | Removed during splicing - regulatory roles |
| Promoters | Control gene expression |
| Enhancers | Boost transcription from distance |
| Telomeres | Protect chromosome ends |
Evolutionists claimed 98% of DNA was "junk" - evolutionary leftovers.
The ENCODE Project (2012) showed:
Prediction confirmed: Design predicted function; evolution predicted junk!
1. What did the ENCODE project reveal about "junk DNA"?
Heritable changes in gene expression without changing DNA sequence:
Gene regulation is like a vast computer program:
Same DNA, different cell types - programmed by an intelligent system!
1. What is epigenetics?
| Technique | Purpose |
|---|---|
| PCR | Amplify (copy) DNA segments |
| Gel Electrophoresis | Separate DNA/proteins by size |
| DNA Sequencing | Determine nucleotide order |
| CRISPR | Edit specific genes |
| Western/Northern/Southern Blot | Detect specific proteins/RNA/DNA |
1. What does PCR do?
Cell signaling pathways are like complex electronic circuits:
This is systems engineering at the molecular level!
1. What are the four steps of signal transduction?
| Innate | Adaptive |
|---|---|
| Fast response (minutes) | Slower (days) |
| Non-specific | Highly specific |
| No memory | Has memory |
| Barriers, phagocytes, inflammation | B cells, T cells, antibodies |
Your body can make ~10 billion different antibodies!
This coordinated system had to be complete from the beginning!
1. How many different antibodies can your body make?
Irreducible Complexity: A system that requires all parts to be present simultaneously to function. Remove any part and the system fails.
Analogy: A mousetrap - remove any component and it doesn't catch mice!
| System | Components Needed |
|---|---|
| Bacterial Flagellum | ~40 protein parts (motor, rod, hook, filament) |
| Blood Clotting | ~20+ proteins in cascade |
| Cilium | ~200+ proteins |
| ATP Synthase | Rotor, stator, shaft, proton channels |
| Vision | Lens, retina, optic nerve, visual cortex |
A literal outboard motor with:
Remove any part = no function. How could this evolve step by step?
1. What is irreducible complexity?
DNA is not just chemistry - it's a code carrying information:
Key insight: Information always comes from intelligence!
Question: Where did the information in the first genome come from?
DNA exhibits specified complexity:
Random text is complex but not specified. "HELP" written in sand is specified - and implies intelligence!
DNA is both complex AND specified = hallmark of design!
1. Why does information always require intelligence?
Life arose from non-living chemicals through natural processes. The Miller-Urey experiment showed amino acids can form naturally. Given enough time, self-replicating molecules emerged.
"All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life." - John 1:3-4
Life comes only from Yahuah - the source of all life!
Proposed that RNA could self-replicate and evolve into DNA/protein life. Problems:
1. List three problems with naturalistic origin of life:
| Evidence | Points To |
|---|---|
| Information in DNA | Intelligent source |
| Irreducibly complex systems | Purposeful assembly |
| Molecular machines | Engineering |
| Fine-tuned biochemistry | Intentional design |
| Failed origin-of-life experiments | Supernatural origin |
| Specified complexity | Intelligent causation |
In any other field, these evidences would point to design:
DNA is all of these things! The evidence points to the Creator.
1. How has studying advanced biology strengthened your faith in Yahuah as Creator?
2. What evidence would you share with someone who believes life arose naturally?