TNRTB Archive - Retained for reference information

Once again, elegant designs in nature challenge a naturalistic paradigm. Using extremely high resolution x-ray crystallography, a team of molecular biologists discovered an amazing design feature in an oxygen-activating metalloenzyme. They found an electrical triggering device that takes advantage of the unique properties of dioxygen. The device prevents the binding and activation of oxygen unless catalysis (stimulation of the particular chemical reaction) is primed or prepared to proceed. This molecular device limits the premature release of harmful reduced oxygen. The complexity and functionality of the device rivals the best achievements in comparable humanly-designed electronics. 

·         Sean T. Prigge et al., “Dioxygen Binds End-On to Mononuclear Copper in a Precatalytic Enzyme Complex,” Science 304 (2004): 864-67.

·         http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/304/5672/864

·         Nermeen W. Adoelella, Anne M. Reynolds, and William B. Tolman, “Catching Copper in the Act,” Science 304 (2004): 836-37.

·         Related Resource: Origin-of-Life Predictions Face Off, by Fazale “Fuz” Rana, Facts for Faith 6 (Q2 2001), 40-47.

·         Product Spotlight: Origins of Life: Biblical and Evolutionary Models Face Off, by Fazale Rana and Hugh Ross