NUTR 641 Biochemistry 1 Mod 1 Discussion Board: How Life Began
The study of biochemistry is the study of life processes. The origin of life has been and still is the center
of many biochemical discussions. Yet, for all of the discussions and debates across the globe for
hundreds of years, there still remains, for many individuals, the skepticism as to how humans began.
Review your textbook chapters for this module and the website provided (peruse the different views
posted by the various scientists). Then post your discussion thread by answering the following
questions/prompts:
Support the statement that living organisms function in symmetry with each other and their
environment, yet they are never at equilibrium with their surroundings.
Thinking about the complexity of biochemical systems as they relate to the human body and the
specificity of DNA, why can we not describe the “average” behavior of a DNA molecule? Why is it
improbable that proteins needed for DNA structure, for example, form spontaneously from random
amino acids?
Correlate your discussion of questions/prompts 1 & 2 above with a Creationist Biblical worldview of
“how life began”. (Use at least 2 scriptural references to support your response to this statement.)
Your ideas, perspectives, and experiences must be conveyed in a professional manner, display in-depth
critical thinking of the topic, and employ graduate-level writing skills. Answers should be concise and
focused on the discussion prompt, addressing each question adequately.
Prof and classmates,
Living organisms function in symmetry with each other and their environment, yet they are never at
equilibrium with their surroundings.
Living organisms’ function in symmetry with each other and their environment, through a
process called evolution. To remain in a state of nonequilibrium or homeostasis, the cell must recognize
changing internal and external conditions and regulate its activities as necessary to function.1 Cells can
alter their shape and metabolic activities within specific limits. These life sustaining molecules are
composed of the same intricate matter and undergo similar processes as well as transformations that are
fundamental to their survival and evolutionary processes. Activities that are carried out by cells to
function in symmetry include energy extraction, protein synthesis, pathogen destruction, and replication
to name a few. All living cells include complex molecules (similar) that engage in fundamental functions
of the cell’s metabolism.1 This how they operate in symmetry. The similarity of the cells play an
important role in their symmetry of operation.
The diversity of life includes millions of different creatures which are placed into an organization
broken down into groups, and subgroups based on the structures of these creatures (multi-celled). The
anatomical structures are considered more than another aspect when grouping and subgrouping.
Similarities or working within symmetry includes the fundamental processes that these creatures have
developed through evolution that include reproducing, creating/foraging food and extracting the energy
from the food sources. There is a limited number of elements that compose cell molecules, these
elements include carbon (primary), oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulfur, and phosphorous. Cells work
together each doing their specific tasks to maintain homeostasis. For example, multicellular organisms’
cells execute a variety of tasks specific to their cell type in addition to other fundamental biological
processes that are common to all cells, working together as a whole. Our bodies contain cells the move
our muscles (brain cells send electrical impulses to our muscles to initiate desired movements), we have
cells that secrete hormones, we have cells that breakdown food and extract specific nutrients, we have
cells that attack invaders such as foreign bacteria and viruses to protect our bodies. These are examples
of different jobs cells have.
Why can we not describe the “average” behavior of a DNA molecule? Why is it improbable that
proteins needed for DNA structure, for example, form spontaneously from random amino acids?
Biochemical systems are very complex as they relate to the human body and the specificity of
DNA, therefore making it impossible to describe the average behavior of a DNA molecule. The way DNA
is transcribed and translated is dependent upon the current environment of the body. Where there is
not active DNA replication than transcription and translation are not necessary. DNA is needed for
protein production, therefore it cannot form from random amino acids. To form functioning proteins,
DNA provides the information for the correct sequence of the amino acids. So overall, new protein
cannot be made without DNA, due to the information that is needed is stored in the DNA molecules.
Correlate your discussion of questions/prompts 1 & 2 above with a Creationist Biblical worldview of
“how life began”.
Does science correlate with God’s inscription on stone that “in six days the Lord made the heavens and
earth, the sea, and all that is in them”?3
References:
1.Pratt CW, Cornely K. Essential Biochemistry. Wiley; 2021.
2.Jeremy L Walter, mechanical engineering (In Six Days) - creation.com. creation.com.
https://creation.com/jeremy-l-walter-mechanical-engineering-in-six-days
3.Exodus 20:11 ESV - For in six days the LORD made…. Biblia. Accessed August 25, 2022.
https://biblia.com/bible/esv/exodus/20/11
