Discover 5 Divine New Plant Colors Revealed Through Scripture

New Plant Colours: Is This New Information?

In the field of genetics and plant breeding, the emergence of new traits, including new plant colours, is often attributed to random mutations. While it may seem like these mutations introduce "new information," it is essential to understand the concept of information in this context. According to bioinformatics expert Dr Lee Spetner, the appearance of a new trait does not necessarily involve the addition of information through DNA coding. In fact, it is highly unlikely that mutations alone could account for the increased information required for molecules-to-man evolution.

Information content is measured by the specified complexity of a base sequence or protein amino acid sequence. Mutations, being random changes in highly specified information contained in the nucleic acid base sequence, usually result in a loss or scrambling of information rather than its addition. However, it is possible for a loss of information to lead to the emergence of new traits, such as purple or red flowers replacing blue ones. This can occur at the DNA base sequence level or amino acid sequence level, where changes may affect pigments or biochemical pathways. Even a change in pH levels can significantly impact color.

When studying antibiotic, herbicide, and insecticide resistance mechanisms, it has been observed that none of these mechanisms involve the addition of specified complexity in DNA. Instead, they often involve a loss of information. For example, antibiotic resistance can occur due to the loss of control over enzyme production or decreased effectiveness of membrane transport proteins. It is worth noting that some antibiotic resistance may be acquired through horizontal gene transfer between bacteria species, which does not explain the ultimate origin of the information.

Regarding the example of corn (maize) and its wild relatives, there are species of grass that can interbreed with corn and produce fully fertile offspring. Creationists view these species as belonging to the same created kind. However, until we determine the biochemical and genetic differences between maize and its wild relatives, it is premature to conclude that the maize inflorescence is a result of new information. Loss of information in specific base sequences responsible for inflorescence development could account for these apparent differences.

It should be emphasized that creationists do not deny the possibility of mutations being beneficial, but they argue that mutations almost invariably involve a loss of information (specified complexity). In some cases, this loss of information can be advantageous. For instance, the loss of wings in the flightless cormorant enables it to dive better than its flying counterparts. Similarly, flightless beetles on windswept islands benefit from their inability to fly, as they are less likely to be blown into the sea.

In light of the tremendous amount of new information required for microbes to evolve into complex organisms over billions of years, random changes alone cannot account for this level of complexity. The additional new information would fill nearly a thousand books of 500 pages each. This calls for an incredible level of faith in the evolutionary perspective.

To further explore the topic and gain a deeper understanding, consider reading books such as "In the Beginning Was Information" by Dr Werner Gitt, an information scientist in Germany, and "The Mystery of Life's Origin" by Thaxton, Bradley, and Olsen. These books approach the origin of information from thermodynamics and information theory perspectives, highlighting the impossibility of natural processes creating the intricate information found in living things.

Key Questions about New Plant Colours

1. How do new traits, including new plant colours, arise in plants?

In genetics and plant breeding, new traits can emerge through random mutations. These mutations can alter existing pigments or biochemical pathways, resulting in new proteins and pigments at the molecular and morphological levels. However, it is crucial to understand that the appearance of a new trait does not necessarily involve the addition of information through DNA coding.

2. Can mutations introduce new information into plant DNA?

Mutations, being random changes in highly specified information contained in the nucleic acid base sequence, are more likely to scramble or reduce information rather than add to it. Changes at the DNA base sequence level or amino acid sequence level can affect pigments or biochemical pathways, leading to the emergence of new traits. However, it is essential to study these changes and determine their impact at the molecular level.

3. Are mutations responsible for antibiotic resistance in plants?

When studying antibiotic resistance mechanisms, it has been observed that none of these mechanisms involve the addition of specified complexity in DNA. Instead, they often result from a loss of information. For example, antibiotic resistance can occur due to the loss of control over enzyme production or decreased effectiveness of membrane transport proteins.

4. What about the origin of unique plant structures like the ear of corn?

The presence of unique structures like the ear of corn does not necessarily imply the addition of new genetic information. Creationists believe that species that can interbreed with corn belong to the same created kind. Until we understand the biochemical and genetic differences between maize and its wild relatives, it is premature to conclude that the maize inflorescence is solely due to new information.

5. Do mutations always result in harmful effects?

Creationists do not claim that mutations are always harmful, but they argue that mutations almost invariably involve a loss of information (specified complexity). Occasionally, this loss of information can be beneficial, resulting in traits that provide advantages in specific environments.

6. Can random changes alone account for the complexity of life?

The incredible complexity found in living organisms requires an enormous amount of new information. Random changes, such as mutations, cannot account for this level of complexity alone. The additional new information would fill nearly a thousand books of 500 pages each.

7. What resources are available to explore this topic further?

To delve deeper into the subject of information in living organisms, consider reading books like "In the Beginning Was Information" by Dr Werner Gitt and "The Mystery of Life's Origin" by Thaxton, Bradley, and Olsen. These resources provide valuable insights from an information theory and thermodynamics perspective.

8. What does a conservative Christian view say about new plant colours and mutations?

From a conservative Christian viewpoint, it is essential to acknowledge that while mutations can lead to the emergence of new traits, they usually involve a loss or scrambling of information. This aligns with the belief that complex life forms are the result of intentional creation rather than random chance.