Claim CB010:
The proteins necessary for life are very complex. The odds of even one
simple protein molecule forming by chance are 1 in 10113, and
thousands of different proteins are needed to form life. (See also
Primitive cells arising by chance.)
Source:
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. 1985. Life--How Did It Get Here?
Brooklyn, NY, pg. 44.
Response:
- The calculation of odds assumes that the protein molecule formed by
chance. However, biochemistry is not chance, making the calculated
odds meaningless. Biochemistry produces complex products, and the
products themselves interact in complex ways.
For example, complex organic molecules are observed to form in the
conditions that exist in space, and it is possible that they played a
role in the formation of the first life (Spotts 2001).
- The calculation of odds assumes that the protein molecule must take one
certain form. However, there are innumerable possible proteins that
promote biological activity. Any calculation of odds must take into
account all possible molecules (not just proteins) that might function
to promote life.
- The calculation of odds assumes the creation of life in its present
form. The first life would have been very much simpler.
- The calculation of odds ignores the fact that innumerable trials would
have been occurring simultaneously.
Links:
Musgrave, Ian. 1998. Lies, damned lies, statistics, and probability of
abiogenesis calculations.
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/abioprob/abioprob.html
Stockwell, John. 2002. Borel's Law and the origin of many
creationist probability assertions.
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/abioprob/borelfaq.html
References:
created 2001-2-17, modified 2003-4-1
