Another Setback for 'Junk' DNA | The Institute for Creation Research

Another Setback for 'Junk' DNA

Scientists believed and taught for ages that only gene-coding DNA (which is a small fraction of DNA in human and other genomes) was functional. All other DNA was "junk" leftovers from a long evolutionary past. But recent studies have shown that non-coding DNA actually carries useful and vital coded instructions.1

Many of these instructions concern the regulation of gene expression. From an engineering perspective, it makes sense that more information would be required to regulate cell processes than to simply perform them. For life to live, communication systems must detect what the cell needs and then notify the correct components within the cell regarding what to do, when, and for how long.

Genes in DNA carry coded instructions that specify proteins and are transcribed into a temporary, short-lived RNA. Scientists have been unraveling the many intricate means by which these RNA transcripts serve to regulate cell processes. Now, one class of RNA known as "long non-coding RNA" has been observed regulating when and how much protein should be produced.2

Already familiar with how another class of RNAs--called microRNA--exert a "shut-down" influence on gene expression in cells, researchers were surprised to discover that when placed near a protein's gene, the long non-coding RNA enhanced, rather than restricted, protein production.

If the scientists had discovered non-coding DNA to actually be useless junk, that would have been good for evolution. As a remnant of an endless series of transitions, it could fit with eons of wasteful death and suffering, as well as the supposed evolutionary mechanism of biological change (genetic mutation). With all that extra genetic material to play with, the chances of natural processes hitting on some new and useful information might have taken on some semblance of plausibility for those seeking a purely naturalistic explanation of origins.

But the fact is that when DNA--protein-coding or not--is tinkered with, it only results in newly damaged information. That is because the vast majority of DNA carries useful information, as though it had all been crafted by a supreme Bioengineer. The discovery of a specific use for long non-coding RNA is consistent with creation, but presents yet another conundrum for evolution.

References

  1. Thomas, B. Study Shows 'Junk' DNA Builds Visible Traits. ICR News. Posted on icr.org May 4, 2010, accessed October 11, 2010.
  2. Wistar Researchers Discover New Class of Objects Encoded Within the Genome. The Wistar Institute press release, October 5, 2010, reporting on research published in Ørom, U. A. et al. 2010. Long Noncoding RNAs with Enhancer-like Function in Human Cells. Cell. 143 (1): 46-58.

* Mr. Thomas is Science Writer at the Institute for Creation Research.

Article posted on October 18, 2010.

The Latest
NEWS
July 2025 ICR Wallpaper
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome...

NEWS
Valued Longtime ICR Employee Mary Smith Retires
Mary Morris Smith, an employee of the Institute for Creation Research for many years, has retired. The second daughter of ICR founder Dr. Henry M. Morris...

NEWS
Man of Science, Man of God: George Washington Carver
Who:  George Washington Carver What: Father of Modern Agriculture When: 1864 or 1865 – January 5, 1943 Where: Diamond Grove,...

ACTS & FACTS
The Scopes Monkey Trial: A Battle of Worldviews
Rhea County Courthouse in Dayton, Tennessee, and its statue of William Jennings Bryan Image credit: M. Mueller The Scopes Monkey...

ACTS & FACTS
Long Non-Coding RNAs: The Unsung Heroes of the Genome
Evolutionary theory holds that all living things came about through random, natural processes. So conventional scientists believe the genome has developed...

ACTS & FACTS
Yosemite National Park, Part 1: Tiny Clues of a Grand Picture
Yosemite National Park in California is a sure source of stunning scenery. It’s no wonder that American naturalist John Muir persuaded President...

ACTS & FACTS
From Inference to Theory: A Common Design Case Study
Without a doubt, humans, chimpanzees, and other organisms share similar features. An early explanation was that these features reflect similar designs...

ACTS & FACTS
Creation Kids: T. rex
by Michael Stamp and Susan Windsor* You're never too young to be a creation scientist and explore our Creator's world. Kids, discover...

ACTS & FACTS
Entering By The Door
Recently, I hosted a visiting pastor from a large church at ICR’s Discovery Center. As I guided him through our Dallas museum, one conversation...

ACTS & FACTS
Creation Mission in Fiji
Michele discusses pages from Explore the World with boys at an orphanage Image credit: Brian Thomas In 2024 my wife, Michele,...