Genome complexity in embryology (Introduction)

by dhw, Friday, April 24, 2015, 22:14 (3501 days ago) @ David Turell

DAVID:

Even the expression of genes is now known to be regulated to a degree by the mechanical state of the whole embryo itself and its constituent cells." (my bold)-dhw:... I am suggesting that under certain conditions, this intelligence may have produced innovation. I am not suggesting that every single biological process has to be reinvented in every single individual by every single cell community!-DAVID: I know you are not suggesting that. My point is that a whole area of knowledge is developing to suggest that physics principals dictate form in the development of the embryo. It is in line with Sheldrake's proposal of 'morphic resonance', something which helps the embryo take a certain form, and none other. This is one of the mysteries of embryology. Cells change DNA under instruction and becomes organs. What overall guidance joins them together as an individual? Hox genes control limb structure as an example, but total body form? Unknown. Another reason why I have turned to a planning mind as a source.-MY RESPONSE, WHICH FOR SOME REASON INSISTS ON BEING ITALICIZED:If I may say so, an excellent summary of the problem. Once an organ/organism functions, the cells repeat the form and all the procedures. This is observable. How did the organ/organism come into being in the first place? Unknown. But cells HAVE to cooperate if the innovation is to work. Sheer luck (random mutations)? That takes some believing. Preprogrammed 3.7 billion years ago? That takes some believing. God fiddling around with each individual organism? That takes some believing. Intelligent cells working it out among themselves? Mhmmmm....