The Design and Complexity of the Cell
by Jeffrey P. Tomkins, Ph.D.
The majority of scientifically trained biologists and geneticists are taught that the apparent design that is observed in cells is the result of only random chemical and energy processes operating over eons of time. Such a belief system prompts their thinking to rest on purely natural logic, producing materialistic conclusions—and often ignoring or marginalizing the implications of careful engineering and design.
There are, however, multiple thousands of scientists who accept the Bible’s message that there is a Creator who planned the creation, designed the intricate engineering efficiencies into that creation, and then built the product: our planet and its wonderfully unique life and functions. That belief system not only fits empirically with what is observed (design, precise function, operational efficiencies, etc.), but provides insight that enables creation-based scientists to grasp the significance of the information more readily—without having to invent a supposed eons-long story for the development of what is actually observed.
Dr. Jeffrey Tomkins and his contributing colleagues have provided an excellent resource that documents and helps explain the intricate processes of cells, and gives keen insight for “clearly seeing” the obvious hand of the Creator in the “things that are made” (Romans 1:20).
Click here for more information about Dr. Jeffrey Tomkins and contributing authors.
Primary Author
Dr. Jeffrey Tomkins |
Research Associate |
Dr. Jeffrey Tomkins earned a master’s degree in Plant Science in 1990 from the University of Idaho, where he performed research in plant hormones. He received his Ph.D. in Genetics from Clemson University in 1996. While at Clemson, he worked as a research technician in a plant breeding/genetics program, with a research focus in the area of quantitative and physiological genetics in soybean. After receiving his Ph.D., he worked at a genomics institute and became a faculty member in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry at Clemson. He had become a Christian as an undergraduate at Washington State University in 1982, with a goal to eventually work as a scientist and author in the creation science field. In 2009, Dr. Tomkins joined the Institute for Creation Research as Research Associate. He is the primary author of The Design and Complexity of the Cell.
Contributing Authors
Dr. Nathaniel Jeanson |
| Deputy Director for Life Sciences |
Contribution:
-
Chapter 9: The Biology of Stem Cells
-
Chapter 10: Processes and Implications of Stem Cell Research
For more information about Dr. Jeanson, click here.
Dr. Brad Forlow |
Contribution:
-
Appendix 2: The Development of Pharmaceutical Therapeutics
Dr. Randy Guliuzza |
National Representative |
Contribution:
-
Life’s Indispensable Microscopic Machines
-
Life-Giving Blood
-
Human Reproduction
-
Immune Systems, The Body’s Security Force
-
Darwinian Medicine: A Prescription for Failure
For more information about Dr. Guliuzza, click here.
Brian Thomas |
Science Writer |
Contribution:
-
Have Scientists Created a Synthetic Cell?
-
Where Did Flesh-eating Bacteria Come From?
-
Brain’s Complexity “Is Beyond Anything Imagined”
-
The Mysteries of Stunning Soft Tissue Fossil Finds
For more information about Mr. Thomas, click here.
Frank Sherwin |
Research Associate, Senior Lecturer, and Science Writer |
Contribution:
-
Cells: Sophisticated and God-Designed
For more information about Mr. Sherwin, click here.
Click here to read the Foreword by Dr. Henry Morris III.
Foreword
The functions within the cells of our bodies are foundational to our existence. Understanding these functions has made the environment and the processes of our lifestyles healthier, more enjoyable, and more productive. All of humanity has benefited from the life sciences and the scientists who have dedicated their considerable skills to uncovering the functions and processes of the multifaceted variety of cells.
Although scientists have discovered, documented, and developed wonderful insights about the complex information, precise sequential processes, and unique interwoven controls within cells, there is a huge chasm among scientists when they try to understand how these highly efficient processes got started in the first place.
The majority of scientifically trained biologists and geneticists are taught that the apparent design that is observed in cells is the result of only random chemical and energy processes operating over eons of time. Such a belief system prompts their thinking to rest on purely natural logic, producing materialistic conclusions— and often ignoring or marginalizing the implications of careful engineering and design.
There are, however, multiple thousands of scientists who accept the Bible’s message that there is a Creator who planned the creation, designed the intricate engineering efficiencies into that creation, and then built the product: our planet and its wonderfully unique life and functions. That belief system not only fits empirically with what is observed (design, precise function, operational efficiencies, etc.), but provides insight that enables creation-based scientists to grasp the significance of the information more readily—without having to invent a supposed eons-long story for the development of what is actually observed. Dr. Jeffrey Tomkins and his contributing colleagues have provided an excellent resource that will document and help explain the intricate processes of cells and give some keen insight for “clearly seeing” the obvious hand of the Creator in the “things that are made” (Romans 1:20).
Each chapter is written for technical accuracy. Most high school biology students will find the information similar to what is in their textbooks—but more carefully explained regarding the clear presence of design. Interspersed throughout the book are short articles that will provide specific examples of the cellular functions as they impact system operation. These examples will provide observable applications of how these marvelous processes insure that the purpose of each design is fulfilled.
At the end of each chapter is an information summary that will reinforce the science discussed and outline the design characteristics easily identified by the discoveries.
This book is designed as a scientific resource and ready reference, as well as an apologetic tool to use as a witness of the omnipotent and omniscient Creator and Savior. Our prayer at the Institute for Creation Research is that you will find both of these purposes fulfilled in your life.
Henry M. Morris III
Chief Executive Officer
Institute for Creation Research
Click here to see the Table of Contents.
Table of Contents |
Page | ||
| Contributors | 7 | ||
| Foreword | 9 | ||
| Introduction | 10 | ||
| Chapter 1 | Dogma and Science Surrounding Cell Origins | 13 | |
| Abiogenesis | 13 | ||
| The Evolutionary Problem of the Cell | 17 | ||
| Have Scientists Created Artificial Life? | 18 | ||
| Summary | 19 | ||
| Application: Have Scientists Created a Synthetic Cell? | 20 | ||
| Chapter 2 | A Basic Description of Cells and Cell Types | 23 | |
| A Basic Definition of Cells | 23 | ||
| Two Basic Cell Types in Biology | 25 | ||
| Prokaryotic Cell Characteristics | 27 | ||
| Development of a Model System for Cell Biology | 30 | ||
| E. coli: The Prokaryotic Model for Evolution | 30 | ||
| The Role of Cells in Biological Creation | 31 | ||
| Summary | 33 | ||
| Application: Life’s Indispensable Microscopic Machines | 34 | ||
| Chapter 3 | Eukaryotic Cells and Multicellularity | 37 | |
| The Highly Engineered Eukaryotic Nucleus and Mitochondria | 38 | ||
| Mitochondria: The Evolutionary Model of Symbiosis Is Unsupported | 40 | ||
| Plant Cell Chloroplasts | 41 | ||
| Additional Eukaryotic Cell Characteristics | 42 | ||
| Summary | 45 | ||
| Application: Life-Giving Blood | 46 | ||
| Chapter 4 | Genes and Proteins | 49 | |
| DNA: The Cell’s Genetic Blueprint | 49 | ||
| Making a Protein | 50 | ||
| A Masterpiece of Design and Purpose | 53 | ||
| Summary | 54 | ||
| Application: Where Did Flesh-Eating Bacteria Come From? | 55 | ||
| Chapter 5 | Cell Division and DNA Replication: How Life Is Engineered to Perpetuate | 57 | |
| Cell Division: The Basic Biological Process Required for Life | 57 | ||
| Mitosis | 59 | ||
| Meiosis | 60 | ||
| Summary | 64 | ||
| Application: Brain’s Complexity “Is Beyond Anything Imagined” | 65 | ||
| Chapter 6 | Cell Signaling: The Miracle of the Biological Network | 67 | |
| Cell Surface Receptors | 67 | ||
| Neurons | 69 | ||
| Summary | 71 | ||
| Application: Human Reproduction | 72 | ||
| Chapter 7 | The Cytoskeleton and the Extracellular Matrix: How Biology Achieves Shape, Form, and Movement | 75 | |
| Actin Filaments and Microtubules | 75 | ||
| Junctions between Cells | 77 | ||
| The Extracellular Matrix | 79 | ||
| Summary | 80 | ||
| Application: The Mysteries of Stunning Soft Tissue Fossil Finds | 81 | ||
| Chapter 8 | Cells in Creation, Sin, and Redemption | 83 | |
| Plants | 83 | ||
| Photosynthesis and Respiration | 84 | ||
| Water, Air, and Land Creatures | 85 | ||
| Consequences of the Curse | 86 | ||
| Summary | 87 | ||
| Application: Immune Systems, the Body’s Security Force | 88 | ||
| Chapter 9 | The Biology of Stem Cells | 91 | |
| The Biology of Adult Stem Cells | 91 | ||
| Cellular Mechanisms of Self-Renewal and Differentiation | 93 | ||
| Molecular Mechanisms of Self-Renewal and Differentiation | 94 | ||
| The Biology of Embryonic Stem Cells | 95 | ||
| How Embryonic Stem Cells Work: Mechanisms of ESC Self-Renewal and Differentiation | 95 | ||
| The Origins of Human Cellular Diversity: The Fact of Creation and the Insufficiency of Evolution | 96 | ||
| Summary | 97 | ||
| Application: Darwinian Medicine: A Prescription for Failure | 98 | ||
| Chapter 10 | Processes and Implications of Stem Cell Research | 101 | |
| Reprogramming and Cloning | 103 | ||
| Stem Cells and Medicine: Cell Therapy | 105 | ||
| Stem Cell Ethics | 106 | ||
| Conclusion | 109 | ||
| Summary | 110 | ||
| Application: Cells: Sophisticated and God-Designed | 111 | ||
| Appendix 1 | Biology and the Bible | 113 | |
| Appendix 2 | 117 | ||
| Therapeutic Intervention | 117 | ||
| Pharmaceutical Drug Discovery and Development | 118 | ||
| Pharmacological Inhibition | 123 | ||
| Conclusion | 124 | ||
| Glossary | 125 | ||
| Credits | 128 | ||
| Index | 129 | ||
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