[AndrewC]

I'll stand by the rest of my post.

To which I say, I agree that he is a left-wing nut, but that does not make him wrong on the observation of an irreducible cell. James Shapiro says as much. And the prion explanation is a very valid observation that DNA is not the sole repository of biological activity. What is the biological advantage to a prion? In other words, it is evident that the disadvantageous form of the protein is the more stable structure or the good form would be able to reform the bad form into the good form which it apparently does not.

[PatrickHenry]

To which I say, I agree that he is a left-wing nut, but that does not make him wrong on the observation of an irreducible cell.

The "observation" that the cell is irreducible is far from being well-established. When a leftie like Commoner takes a position like that I'm naturally suspicious that he has some hidden agenda. I really don't trust him. That's all I'm saying. When the weight of professional opinion goes the same way, based on verifiable evidence we can all appreciate, I'll be ready to accept such a conclusion. But not on Commoner's say-so. I put him in the same boat with Hillary, notwithstanding his claim to being a biologist. Here's an example of Commoner's "science" opinions:
Barry Commoner: A leading environmentalist reviews his long, contentious past.

[NukeMan]

I agree with you.... What may help focus the arguments here is the realization that Gould, Lewontin & Commoner are left-wingers (Gould/Lewontin are out-and-out Marxists) and as such are loathe to admit that heredity is all there is to human makeup.

Nonetheless, even a stopped clock can be right twice a day, and you can get some insights from a Marxist that otherwise aren't available.