God, the Religion of Science

Tag: evolutionary process

  • Theological discussion on anti-cancer genes

    Theological discussion on anti-cancer genes

    Anti-cancer genes explained simply
    There are genes in our body that act as guardians, preventing cells from becoming cancerous. These genes, known as anti-cancer or tumor suppressor genes, play a crucial role in maintaining the body’s health. They control cell growth, repair DNA damage, and, if necessary, eliminate damaged cells to prevent tumor formation. When these genes malfunction due to mutations or damage, the likelihood of cells becoming cancerous increases.

    TP53 gene: The body’s primary guardian
    One of the most important anticancer genes is TP53, which produces a protein called p53. This protein is activated when the DNA of a cell is damaged or under abnormal conditions. p53 either prompts the cell to repair itself or, if the damage is too severe, destroys it to prevent cancer development. However, if this gene is impaired, damaged cells can grow uncontrollably and become cancerous. This occurs in over half of all cancers, such as breast, lung, and brain cancers.

    BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes: Protectors of body cells
    Two other well-known genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, also protect cells from cancer development. These genes help to repair damaged DNA. If someone inherits mutations in these genes, their risk of developing breast, ovarian, or even prostate cancer significantly increases. Women with these mutations may have up to a 70% chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Genetic testing can now detect this risk early, allowing for the implementation of preventive measures.

    PTEN gene: Regulator of cell growth
    The PTEN gene is another anticancer gene that prevents excessive cell growth. If this gene fails to function properly, pathways in the body are activated, leading to rapid, uncontrolled cell growth. This can result in cancers such as prostate, uterine, and certain brain tumors. Research suggests that restoring the function of this gene could potentially stop cancer growth.

    APC gene: Protector of the colon
    The APC gene plays a vital role in maintaining intestinal health. It prevents excessive cell growth in the colon. If the APC gene malfunctions, numerous polyps may form in the colon, which can eventually develop into colorectal cancer. In some families, mutations in this gene are inherited, significantly increasing the risk of colorectal cancer.

    Theological perspective
    One of the beautiful aspects of the universe’s creation is that all elements contributing to life’s order are integrated into the grand design of creation. For example, without these anti-cancer genes, all living beings and humans would perish due to continuous and repeated mutations. Some may attribute this to evolution, but it must be noted that in a random universe with an evolutionary process absent a Creator, all living beings would perish due to successive mutations, lacking the opportunity to reproduce.
    Imagine if the world had arisen by chance—how would cells know to incorporate anti-cancer genes to avoid mutations. Even if a cell had experienced cancer multiple times and recognized and incorporated these genes into its genome, no cells would remain to sustain life or pass on to future generations, as they would perish before reaching the stage of identifying and combating cancer.
    Thus, there must inevitably be an external observer of the universe who facilitates the formation of genes that sustain weaker cells and even aid their evolution. Even when considering evolution, there must have been active intervention in cases such as anti-cancer genes, and random evolution without a Creator is practically impossible.
    In verse 4 of Surah At-Tariq, God Almighty states:
    “Indeed, every soul has a guardian” (At-Tariq: 4)

  • Theological Discussion on the Poison Found in Fruit Seeds

    Theological Discussion on the Poison Found in Fruit Seeds

    You may have heard that the seeds of some fruits, like apricots, peaches, or even apple seeds, can contain cyanide. Yes, you heard it right! But why does a plant that gifts us delicious fruits hide a toxic substance in its seeds? The seeds of some fruits, such as apricots, peaches, plums, cherries, apples, and pears, contain compounds called cyanogenic glycosides (like amygdalin). These compounds are harmless in themselves, but when the seed is broken or chewed, enzymes in the plant are activated that convert these substances into cyanide. Cyanide is a potent toxin that can be dangerous to animals, insects, and even microbes. Cyanogenic compounds are stored in the seeds in an inactive form. When the seed is intact, there is no danger. However, when the seed is broken or chewed, specific enzymes (like beta-glucosidase) are activated and convert these compounds into cyanide. This process acts like a security system that only activates in times of danger. Plants use cyanide as a defensive shield to protect their seeds and future generations. Next, we will examine the main reasons for this defensive strategy:

    1. Defense Against Hungry Herbivores Fruit seeds are full of protein and fat and are very attractive to animals. However, if an animal chews and digests the seed, it can no longer sprout, and a new plant cannot emerge. Cyanide acts like a loyal guard! When an animal chews the seed, cyanide is released, and its bitter taste or even its toxic effect deters the animal from eating the seed. Thus, the animal eats the fruit but excretes the seed intact to sprout a new place.

    2. Protection of the Seed for Germination The main goal of any plant is to continue its lineage and produce new plants. Cyanide helps the plant keep its seed intact and increases the chances of germination. When the seed is excreted in the soil, it can grow in a suitable environment and give rise to a new tree.

    3. Limited Antimicrobial Role Cyanide can inhibit the growth of some pathogenic bacteria and fungi because this substance damages cells by disrupting cellular respiration (by inhibiting the cytochrome c oxidase enzyme). However, this antimicrobial effect is usually limited because cyanide is only released when the seed is damaged. Some microbes, like soil bacteria (such as Pseudomonas), can even be resistant to cyanide or benefit from it!

    4. Regulation of the Germination Process Some studies suggest that cyanogenic compounds may help the plant regulate the timing of germination. These compounds act like a biological clock and protect the seed in the early stages of growth. Cyanide in fruit seeds is one of nature’s clever tricks to preserve seeds and ensure the survival of plants. These compounds protect the seed from animals and pests and help the plant expand its next generation in a safe environment. The next time you eat an apricot or an apple, think about how these delicious fruits ensure their future with a hidden defensive strategy!

    But where does the theological discussion come in? Suppose the universe had no creator; how would the seed know to produce cyanide for future generations to protect itself from bacteria and seed-eaters? Considering an evolutionary process without a creator, fruit-eaters and bacteria would destroy the seeds that were not fully evolved. Still, the toxic property of the seed protects it from seed-eaters, and the fruit-eater is compelled to consume the fruit but discard the seed, which aids in the tree’s reproduction and ensures its lineage. Without a creator during the stages when the seed had not evolved and the number of trees was limited, the plant would have become extinct due to the presence of fruit-eaters, seed-eaters, and bacteria in the seed. However, the design is so precise and clever that a low dose of poison in the seed ensures the continuity of the plant’s lineage, and this matter itself is a sign of the existence of a powerful creator of the heavens and the earth.

    In Surah 6, verse 99, the Almighty God says: “

    He sends down water from the sky, and with it We bring forth the plant of every thing. From these We bring forth green foliage and composite grain, palmtrees laden with clusters of dates within reach, vineyards and olive groves and pomegranates alike and unlike. Behold their fruits when they bear fruit and ripen. Surely, in these there are signs for a nation who believe” (Al-An’am 99)

    . In general, poisons in solid form have a higher density due to the more compact arrangement of molecules (more compact state). Cyanide usually has a higher density in solid form, such as sodium cyanide (NaCN) or potassium cyanide (KCN), compared to its liquid or gaseous states because the molecules in the solid crystalline structure are closer together, and there is less space between them.