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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A NEW BOOK AT ICR-THE DESIGN AND COMPLEXITY OF THE CELL by Jeffrey P. Tomkins, Ph.D.


    

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

This beautiful, full-color book in hardcover is only $19.99 (plus shipping and handling). Click here to order your copy today!

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