Posted: Jun 08, 2014 2:41 am
Consider also how the process might have originated to encode a protein sequence onto a DNA molecule?
This quote drives me absolutely, positively insane because a basic, fundamental understanding of chemistry, not even biochemistry is needed to understand this.
1) All atoms want to create bonds. Some bonds are stronger then others. Some atoms are better at creating bonds than others. Carbon is one of the atoms which can bond and create giant, lengthy molecules from those bonds.
2) In order to increase stability, carbon based molecules can "self-replicate." This means the molecules use surrounding atoms to create more of the same molecule. So right there we have necessary step #1 for life i.e. self-replication.
3) This self-replication builds complex molecules which build into basic organelles. These organelles have specific functions and depending on the stimuli they experience such as exposure to nitrogen or sodium they respond in some manner. This is gives step #2: stimulation.
4) So the complex molecule happens to be a polynucleotide. This polynucleotide is a strong chemical bond, and it develops alongside amino acids which are also strong bonds to form even stronger bonds in the forms of proteins. It is the force and laws of Chemistry which derive the protein code from the DNA molecule.
5) Scientists can directly observe this and we know with a certainty its plausibility.