Difference between revisions of "Artificial cells"
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The development of a living artificial cell would eliminate this argument. We would have observable evidence that an intelligent creator can produce a cell...and there would still be no observable evidence that a cell can form without such a creator. | The development of a living artificial cell would eliminate this argument. We would have observable evidence that an intelligent creator can produce a cell...and there would still be no observable evidence that a cell can form without such a creator. | ||
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Revision as of 22:44, October 13, 2009
Scientists have been working for years to attempt to create artificial cells, with mixed success. While they have been successful in replicating some of the functions of the cell, such as the cell membrane [1], nobody has yet successfully produced a fully-functional artificial cell.
History
The technology of artificial cells is relatively new. The first person to develop a rudimentary artificial cell was Thomas Chang, a student at McGill University. In 1957, Chang developed a simple synthetic cell that mimicked the primary function of a red blood cell (transporting hemoglobin.)
Since that time, artificial cells have been utilized for a variety of medical purposes. For instance, cells which can locate centers of disease in the human body have been developed. These cells, called leuko-polymersomes, are used as a sort of cellular syringe, traveling to the site of a disease and secreting medicine. [2]
Despite these impressive advances, none of the artificial cells produced thus far meets all of the benchmarks necessary to be considered "life"--they are simply sophisticated organic machines.
Implications
Many of those who deny the validity of Intelligent Design claim that the development of an artificial cell will undercut the theory of design. However, a closer examination reveals that quite the opposite is true; the development of a fully-functional, living artifical cell would be a tremendous argument in favor of design.
To date, when confronted with the fact that nobody has ever observed a cell forming spontaneously and without the benefit of an intelligent creator, opponents of design have been able to retort that nobody has ever observed a cell being formed under the guidance of such a creator, either.
The development of a living artificial cell would eliminate this argument. We would have observable evidence that an intelligent creator can produce a cell...and there would still be no observable evidence that a cell can form without such a creator.
