Scientists Discover the On/Off Switch of the Cell's Copy Machine | The Institute for Creation Research

Scientists Discover the On/Off Switch of the Cell's Copy Machine

Our cells are amazing places that contain countless molecular machines all working together to perform multiple and important functions simultaneously.

Within our cells are strands of DNA, which are very long molecules containing vital information for cell maintenance and reproduction. But that information must be made accessible to the cell’s machines in order for them to perform their functions. Therefore, the molecular “motor” called RNA polymerase constantly reads and copies shorter segments, called transcripts, of the DNA for the machines to use. If a transcript is damaged and the information is still needed, more transcripts can be produced from the original DNA.

The RNA polymerase is remarkable in its efficiency, design, and effectiveness. But what if it never stopped transcribing? What if its copying went out of control, littering the cell with genetic debris? What if it transcribed the wrong genes, or was blocked from transcribing at all?

Recently, researchers at Imperial College London identified another amazing cellular machine, a kind of switch that “turns on” the RNA polymerase. Their findings appeared in the November 7th edition of the journal Molecular Cell.1 A remarkably high-resolution cryo-electron microscope was used to visualize this tiny protein switch in action. According to an Imperial College press release, “this activator protein jump-starts the RNA polymerase machine by removing a plug which blocks the DNA's entrance to the machine.”2

This control, or regulation, of the transcription is vital. It is not enough for a protein to have the ability to perform a specific function within a cell, as amazing and essential as that might be in itself. That function must be regulated. A car without the regulatory mechanisms of, at the very least, brakes and an ignition switch would be largely ineffective as a means of transportation.

This newly-discovered protein switch is no surprise to those who follow the creation model, which expects an ingenious Creator to have invented molecular machines that are not only efficient in their operations, but also in the regulation of those operations.

References

  1. Bose, D. et al. 2008. Organization of an Activator-Bound RNA Polymerase Holoenzyme. Molecular Cell. 32 (3): 337-346.
  2. How 'molecular machines' kick start gene activation revealed. Imperial College London press release, November 6, 2008.

* Mr. Thomas is Science Writer.

Article posted on November 17, 2008.

The Latest
NEWS
April 2025 ICR Wallpaper
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things...

NEWS
Human Evolution and the Inner Ear
The vain attempt by evolutionists to make an evolutionary connection between people and ape-like ancestors continues. This time, it is in regard to...

CREATION PODCAST
Defending the Faith with a Rocket Scientist | Creation.Live Podcast:...
How do engineering principles, biological complexity, and a solid understanding of apologetics work together to further the cause of Christ? Why...

NEWS
Aerobic and Anaerobic Hot Spring Bacteria
God designed a domain of prokaryotes called Archaea that thrive in harsh and extreme environments. In 1969, two microbiologists, Thomas Brock and Hudson...

CREATION PODCAST
The Soulless Hominid Theory: A Fatal Flaw in Old Earth Creationism...
Welcome to the second episode in a series called “The Failures of Old Earth Creationism.” Many Christians attempt to fit...

NEWS
Humpback Whale Calls Echo Creation
There is nothing simple about the system of communication called language, whether animal or human.1 Human language is a very sophisticated...

NEWS
Mary Parker, Creation Ministry Partner of Dr. Gary Parker, Is...
Mary Parker, the wife and co-laborer of Dr. Gary Parker, went home to be with her Lord on March 20, 2025. Dr. Parker was a popular and effective...

NEWS
Plants Rely on Quantum Mechanics
Scientists will probably never fully understand photosynthesis as additional research uncovers even more fascinating mysteries.1,2 ICR’s...

NEWS
Martian Polar Ice Cap ''Surprisingly Young''?
A team of German planetary scientists has concluded that a three-kilometer-thick northern polar ice cap on Mars has a “surprisingly young”...

NEWS
''Blood Worm Moon'' Total Lunar Eclipse 2025
Barring cloud cover, about 75% of the country saw the total lunar eclipse, aka the “Blood Worm Moon.” Texas had good weather conditions...