| Natural Factors |
The entire structure of nature is
arrayed against the creation of life. Complex chemical compounds in
cells are in reduced state, Oxygen (O2) degrades them. Laws of Thermodynamics
are opposed to life. Dextrorotatory forms destroy function of proteins.
Statistically impossible for life to generate spontaneously. |
| Simple
Life |
A one celled bacterium (e.g. E. coli) is estimated to have over
2,000 highly specific and necessary enzymes. The equivalent information
of 100 million pages of the Encyclopedia Britannica (1012 bits of
data). The worlds largest libraries (British Museum, Oxford Bodleian
Library, New York Public Library, Harvard Widener Library and
Moscow Lenin Library) have about 10 million volumes, or 1013 bits
of data. |
| The Chicken or the Egg Problem |
To formulate an adequate hypothesis
for the origin of genetic code, we must deal with the fact that genetic
code has no function unless it is translated (i.e. unless it leads
to synthesis of the proteins laid down by the code). But, Monod points
out, the machinery by which the cell translates the code "consists
of at least 50 different macromolecular components which are themselves
coded in DNA." Thus the code cannot be translated except by using
certain products of its translation. |
| Origin of Genetic Code |
Dickerson:
"The evolution of the genetic machinery is the step for which there
are no laboratory models, hence we can speculate endlessly, unfettered
by inconvenient facts." |
| All-or-None Principle |
For life to exist, there
is some minimal set of ordered processes that must all work at the
same time or in sequence in time. If one fails because of an error
in its formation, the whole cell dies or fails to live. The immensity
of this minimal set is rarely appreciated. Van Rensselear Potter states
"It is possible to hazard a guess that the number is not less than
1,000, but whether it is 3,000 or 10,000 or greater is anyone guess." |
| Natural
Selection |
It cannot be invoked prior to life existing. Dobzhansky says
"Natural selection is differential reproduction, organism perpetuation.
In order to have natural selection, you have to have self-reproduction
or self-replication and at least two distinct self-replicating units
or entities... Prebiologic natural selection is a contradiction of
terms." |
| Primitive Atmosphere |
The origin of life theories require
that the earth's atmosphere be radically different than now. It must
have CH4, CO, CO2 NH3, H2 and H2O instead of O2, N2 and H2O. But there
is no evidence for such an atmosphere. Davidson says that no evidence
at all; Nelson says no geochemical evidence of CH4; Keosian says "There
is no general agreement on what represents primitive earth conditions..." |