[2005/05/18] Design Language Gushes Out of Article Describing Cell Quality Control
Design Language Gushes Out of Article Describing Cell Quality Control 05/18/2005 Here are the design words
found in a press release from Michigan State
describing the editing mechanisms of the cell DNA-to-RNA transcription
process: high fidelity, quality control, inner workings, genetic
coding, exquisite nanotechnology in living systems, genetic control,
blueprint for life, industrial assembly line, conveyor belt, preloading,
criteria, backs up to correct the error, sensed and corrected, acceptable
level of error required for the speed at which cells must reproduce,
elegance of cell creation, fidelity mechanism, tried and true design,
and enduring design. Here are the words in the press release
describing the evolution of this system: [null]. The
aspect of transcription that so impressed the researchers was the ability
of RNA polymerase (the main transcription machine) to preload bases before
need: “Preloading of NTPs [nucleoside triphosphates, the “letters” of RNA
code] hints at a previously unknown quality control station to
maintain accuracy of RNA synthesis,” the article states (emphasis
added in all quotes). “We’re able to show how an error will be
sensed and corrected,” said Team member Zachary
Burton. “The quality control system checks NTP loading
several ways. If it doesn’t match the criteria, it
gets booted out.” Details of the research were published in
Molecular Cell.1 Another statement by Burton
encapsulated the tone of their study: “RNA polymerase is one of
nature’s great designs.”
1Gong et al., “Dynamic Error Correction
and Regulation of Downstream Bubble Opening by Human RNA Polymerase II,”
Molecular
Cell, Volume 18, Issue 4, 13 May 2005, Pages 461-470,
doi:10.1016/j.molcel.2005.04.011
This is how science should be
done. No useless Darwinspeak, just careful analysis of design when
design is evident. Neither the formal paper nor the press release
contained any mention of evolution. Instead, the language of
design was shown to be both useful and appropriate in a purely
scientific discussion. By the way, the research focused
on human RNA polymerase. The press release was titled,
“High fidelity keeps human DNA assembly line humming.” All that
quality control is on your assembly line, keeping you
humming. Need a tune to hum? Try this.
[2005/05/18] Design Language Gushes Out of Article Describing Cell Quality Control
