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I wrote this as a follow up to the original "Macro Evolution" explanation. The purpose of this "Micro Evolution" related piece of writing, was to highlight and explain just how simple the underlying genetic process of evolution really is. I understand that it might be overly technical for some, and you are all welcome to ask questions, or for simplified explanations.

Basic evolutionary genetics: Your DNA made up of genetic subunits called "nucleotides". Those are the four different nucleotides: Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine.

Collectively, The nucleotides form a double-stranded helix, which would appear to be similar to a ladder, if flattened.  (images of DNA [in both helical and flat forms follow]).
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cWcuJM9QIG4/T ... a%2B45.jpg

Three nucleotides make up one “codon”(or triplet), and a series of codons make up one gene.  Of course, different combinations of codons will result in different genes.

At a greater level:  Genes code for proteins which ultimately make up the body's structure and control its functions and processes. There are a multitude of different proteins, and each has its own specific and unique purpose/s.

If you were to remove a nucleotide (e.g. Adenine ) from a codon, or if you were to exchange the nucleotide (Adenine) with another nucleotide (e.g. Thymine), this would probably result in a different protein. The alteration of these nucleotides, will cause an alteration of its associated codon, and thus its associated gene, which will ultimately result in a different protein being created.

These changes to the genes are known as "genetic mutations" and the effect of the accumulation of genetic mutations and time is evolution. This is because:  As proteins make up the body and its functions, these genetic mutations (and ultimately protein changes) change the body and its functions.

Simple version; the mini-dna things (nucleotides) which (when combined) make up DNA need to be in specific orders for them to be able to create certain proteins.

(some examples of proteins are red blood cells, or hormone molecules like adrenaline, or even the structures at the back of the eye which are responsible for humans seeing colour). There are heaps and heaps of different proteins which are important parts of the human body, and many of them are necessary for us to be alive.

Sometimes by random chance, the order of the mini-dna things (nucleotides) changes (that's basically what a genetic mutation is), and this means that the resulting protein will also change, and might not work the same way it used to. The change might be for the worse, or for the better.

silly Wrote:the mini-dna things (nucleotides) which (when combined) make up DNA need to be in specific orders for them to be able to create certain proteins.

And that's my friend where god steps in
there is no such thing as random chance, that's what I think at least.
(Every great masterpiece has got a great artist) --> same goes for us.

MindHACKer Wrote:

silly Wrote:the mini-dna things (nucleotides) which (when combined) make up DNA need to be in specific orders for them to be able to create certain proteins.

And that's my friend where god steps in
there is no such thing as random chance, that's what I think at least.
(Every great masterpiece has got a great artist) --> same goes for us.

I'm a Christian, but I don't agree. The simple system in which this complex system is based was a random chance, but an entirely feasible one. Look up endosymbiotic theory. It's a major step in how early life started to become much more complex.

MindHACKer Wrote:

silly Wrote:the mini-dna things (nucleotides) which (when combined) make up DNA need to be in specific orders for them to be able to create certain proteins.

And that's my friend where god steps in
there is no such thing as random chance, that's what I think at least.
(Every great masterpiece has got a great artist) --> same goes for us.

I don't see why it's not possible that we're the result of random events. On a lot of planets the circumstances are not there for life to be possible. On Earth they are there, hence we exist.

Although I'm not 100 % sure of this, how could I be? I go with the explanation that sounds most feasible, I have no reason to think otherwise.

And I wouldn't call the human race a masterpiece, all you have to do is read the paper.

leo Wrote:I'm a Christian, but I don't agree. The simple system in which this complex system is based was a random chance, but an entirely feasible one. Look up endosymbiotic theory. It's a major step in how early life started to become much more complex.

With all do respect, and please don't get me wrong:
- Being a Christian or Muslim or Jew means that you believe in God, but according to what you said, your not.
- Random chance theory is just like pretending that you can't speak.

George, Of The Jungle Wrote:I don't see why it's not possible that we're the result of random events. On a lot of planets the circumstances are not there for life to be possible. On Earth they are there, hence we exist.

Although I'm not 100 % sure of this, how could I be? I go with the explanation that sounds most feasible, since I have no reason to think otherwise.

And I wouldn't call the human race a masterpiece, all you have to do is read the paper.

- Who do you think have setup these "circumstances" --> random chance ? pff.
- most feasible... I think God is the most feasible explanation, I think the way humans were given the free will ("And I wouldn't call the human race a masterpiece, all you have to do is read the paper.") is the most feasible explanation, I think the Quran & the ancient bible is the most feasible.. too bad the bible now is mostly fake,  :-\

MindHACKer Wrote:With all do respect, and please don't get me wrong:
- Being a Christian or Muslim or Jew means that you believe in God, but according to what you said, your not.

I distinctly remember saying that I was Christian, which means I do believe in God. If that's not enough for you, I go to church twice a week and am an acolyte twice a month for Sunday services. Just because I believe in evolution doesn't mean I can't believe in God. I'm offended that you say that I don't.

MindHACKer Wrote:Random chance theory is just like pretending that you can't speak.

I'm not following your logic here.

MindHACKer Wrote:- Who do you think have setup these "circumstances" --> random chance ? pff.

It's entirely feasible that life started by random chance. Our very existence being based on survival is evidence of it. But that's nothing compared to the evidence that hordes of scientists have dug up. The evidence that God made it all is hearsay at best.

MindHACKer Wrote:- most feasible... I think God is the most feasible explanation, I think the way humans were given the free will ("And I wouldn't call the human race a masterpiece, all you have to do is read the paper.") is the most feasible explanation, I think the Quran & the ancient bible is the most feasible.. too bad the bible now is mostly fake,  :-\

There are differences between Christianity and Islam, but I don't think it's really appropriate to discuss them in this thread since it's straying from the topic.

Anyway, as far as life is concerned, there is overwhelming evidence that life started as unicelluar organisms that evolved over billions of years. The evidence for God creating humans through means contrary to this idea is non-existent.

No offense, but it's just plain ignorant to discount theories based on hearsay and claims without any evidence. Theories aren't half-assed explanations. When hypotheses are formed, everyone in the scientific community steps forward to disprove them. Only when the majority of the scientific community accepts a hypothesis as irrefutable does it become a theory. Even at that point people will continue to try and disprove that theory.

I see it as the complete opposite of random.  The universe is so vast and time infinite.  It would be more improbable for things like this not to occur at some place and time.  New unheard things are happening all around us even if we don't or can't see it, be it beyond our solar system or beyond our comprehension.  The great artist is time and space.  The masterpiece is the universe.

JackMonroe Wrote:I see it as the complete opposite of random.  The universe is so vast and time infinite.  It would be more improbable for things like this not to occur at some place and time.  New unheard things are happening all around us even if we don't or can't see it, be it beyond our solar system or beyond our comprehension.  The great artist is time and space.  The masterpiece is the universe.

I will say that until science tells us where all this potential came from, that it's my belief that it's the result of a Prime Mover.

leo Wrote:I'm offended that you say that I don't.

Going to church is 1 thing, & believing in what your going to church for, is another. Now PLEASE DON'T GET ME WRONG, I REALLY RESPECT WHAT YOU THINK, SO DON'T BE OFFENDED.

Anyways I'm not going further with this discussion.

MindHACKer Wrote:Going to church is 1 thing, & believing in what your going to church for, is another. Now PLEASE DON'T GET ME WRONG, I REALLY RESPECT WHAT YOU THINK, SO DON'T BE OFFENDED.

How could I not be offended by someone telling me that I don't really believe in my faith?

Found this on Reddit, made me smile: