(February 3, 2013 at 2:37 pm)popeyespappy Wrote:(February 2, 2013 at 10:02 pm)Jergus Baca Wrote: DNA does not change unless a mutation occurs, mutations in chromosomes create a sterile host, so cannot reproduce, on this very basic fact alone evolution has to be questioned, if change in chromosomal structure creates an sterile host, the mutation stops with them... So physical evolution caused by mutation is impossible.
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzt! Wrong answer.
As a biologist your moron friend should know better. Mutations do not necessarily create a sterile host. While a mutation can produce a sterile host most mutations are in fact neutral. Mutations come in four basic flavors: neutral, loss of function, modification of function and gain of function. A neutral mutation has no discernible effect on the host. This is possible because parts of any organisms DNA serves no function. Changes to these parts of the genetic code usually produce no changes in an organism.
Loss of function mutations degrade or destroy a gene’s ability to do something. A frame shift mutation that inactivates production of a protein is an example of a loss of function mutation. Normally, but not always, this would be a bad thing.
Modification of function mutations coopt a function already in use. They can affect the timing or quantity of protein production. They can also affect protein structure. These types of changes can allow for beneficial changes such as longer or stronger bones.
Gain of function mutations that help an organism adapt to its environment are not seen as frequently as loss or modification of function mutations. It is type of mutation that produces new functional coded elements within the genetic sequence. There are multiple mechanisms capable of producing gain of function mutations. Recombination and horizontal transfer can both add new material to DNA. Sometimes that material does nothing. Sometimes it is harmful. Sometimes it allows for new functions or features.
Thank you Popeyespoppy I wasnt sure and so didnt reply i am glad that through this post i am able to expand my knowledge not just to argue against theists but mainly because of my own scientific personal growth. It just made me realise that i have to study a lot more to bring my knowledge of evolution to perfection. Are you a scientist yourself?
