Mutations and Genetic Disorders

 

Creation Ministries International asks - 'How could mutations - accidental copying mistakes (DNA 'letters' exchanged, deleted or added, genes duplicated, chromosome inversions, etc.) - create the huge volumes of information in the DNA of living things?

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How could such errors create 3 billion letters of DNA information to change a microbe into a microbiologist? There is information for how to make proteins and also for controlling their use - much like a cookbook contains the ingredients as well as the instructions for how and when to use them. One without the other is useless. Mutations are known for their destructive effects including over 1,000 human diseases such as haemophilia. Rarely are they even helpful. But how can scrambling existing DNA information create a new biochemical pathway or nano-machines with many components, to make 'goo-to-you' evolution possible? E.g. how did a 32-component rotary motor like ATP synthase (which produces the energy currency, ATP, for all life) or robots like kinesin (a 'postman' delivering parcels inside cells) originate?

 

ANY DAMAGE TO DNA IS A MUTATION
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Why do we have mutations in our DNA? The Bible is quite clear on that. Whilst safe when in the Garden of Eden, once Adam and Eve were banished, the Earth was cursed and became prone to corruption. DNA was no longer totally protected for future generations. The fall set the stage for mutation and random errors to develop in DNA and the expression of hitherto 'silenced' genes - such as those for making thorns. It’s interesting that Genesis 3:17 states that God cursed the ground for our sake! Why? So that we would call upon His name in our distress.
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Genetic mutations arise from three major causes. I refer you to the previous two articles on genes and chromosomes.
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1.  You may remember that, when a chromosome or chromatid duplicates itself during the early stages of cell division, the new copy of the chromatid remains attached to the original chromatid somewhere towards the middle forming the familiar X shape. When the cell divides into two the two chromatids of the X are pulled apart so that each cell will end up with one chromatid. In human cells there are a total of 46 chromatids, 23 from the father and 23 from the mother.
 
We received our DNA from Adam and Eve. The fidelity of DNA replication of our chromosomes is amazingly high, but just occasionally a rare error may occur as the DNA is copied despite any precautionary measures the cell takes.
 
Accidental errors may be introduced while a chromatid is being copied in readiness for cell division. For example, a ‘T’ might be substituted for a ‘C’ or perhaps left out altogether. It takes three letters in correct order to specify a particular amino acid. Usually, when DNA is replicated, any errors during replication are immediately corrected by a proof-reading enzyme. Don't you find that absolutely amazing? On rare occasions, the error is missed and then it will be passed on to all future generations of the cell within the tissue. If the mutation occurs during the formation of a sperm or egg cell then the mutation can be passed on to the children. The error is inherited.
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2.  Accidental errors in the coding region of a gene, if serious enough, may cause the protein that it generates  dysfunctional. If it were not for the fact that all genes are duplicated like XX or XY, it could become a fatal mutation. Duplication provides redundancy in our genetic makeup which safeguards us from more serious harm. Duplicated genes explain why some people are carriers of a genetic disease, but they themselves don’t suffer harmful physical effects. Carriers don't show the symptoms. Haemophilia is such an instance.


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