Masciarelli
I’m curious about “their non-random operations.” Does ‘non-random’ suggest that the very instructions for all possible morphological changes are front loaded or pre-programmed into living things, needing only a given catalyst to get things going?
James Shapiro
No. Non-random means that they operate under certain conditions (e.g. after genome damage or viral infection) and that these systems make characteristic kinds of changes. When a retrovirus-like element inserts in a new genomic location, it carries with it a defined set of regulatory signals that can affect the reading of nearby DNA sequences in very particular ways. This is an example of non-randomness. In addition, some changes (such as those in the immune system) can be targeted to specific locations by the presence of particular signals in the DNA or by activation of transcription. These phenomena show us that cells are capable of altering their genomes in non-random but not rigidly specified or pre-determined ways.
http://www.iscid.org/james-shapiro-chat.php
[[When a retrovirus-like element inserts in a new genomic location, it carries with it a defined set of regulatory signals that can affect the reading of nearby DNA sequences in very particular ways. This is an example of non-randomness.]]
How is that ‘non random’? It was a random insertion- The fact that a species can cope and compensate due to instructiosn already present that allow such cpoing after invasion in no way means the insertion wasn’t random
[[These phenomena show us that cells are capable of altering their genomes in non-random but not rigidly specified or pre-determined ways.]]
Oh really? And htey’ve determiend that they aren’t predetermined how? they’ve determined that isntructions don’t have parameters that include the ability to adjust to foriegn invaders how? And, “Cells cells are capable of altering their genomes”? If this were true, it indicates a thinking p[rocess- and as well indicates design. Cells have their genomes altered, they don’t somehow consciously make a descision to alter hteir genome on their own.
Masciarelli
is correct- the info IS frontloaded and awaiting catylysts to kickstart the designed features or changes that fall fully within species specific parameters.
Exactly. And those not rigidlly specified ways involve calculations.
can be targeted to specific locations by the presence of particular signals in the DNA or by activation of transcription.