The Creation

[AFRICAN]

Another Source ..

New york center for studies on the origins of life
A Nasa Specialized center of research and training

Astrobiology

Clay-Catalyzed RNA Polymerization Activity


Overview

This lesson was developed for use in general biology, chemistry, or geology classrooms to teach current Origin of Life theories, especially the feasibility of the "RNA world" hypothesis (see readings). As a biology teacher I always find teaching about "the origin of life on earth" fascinating but at the same time frustrating. The information given in most textbooks is limited at best, although more is being uncovered in this field daily. While no one is ever likely to know the exact mechanism that led to life on early earth, the notion that RNA played a pivotal role is gaining momentum. Origins research is currently a rich area of speculation and investigation. The nature of the question has captured the imagination of many and has become part of a developing field of research called Astrobiology.

A central problem with teaching about the origins of life on earth lies in explaining how the jump from a collection of organic molecules to even primitive life forms could have come about. With recent work on RNA and ribozymes, many researchers think they are moving closer to solving this mystery. The RNA world hypothesis proposes that RNA was the first molecule of biological significance, acting as an enzyme-like catalyst (ribozyme) as well as a self-replicating information storage molecule. Many students are already familiar with RNA and its various cellular functions, such as its role in protein synthesis. This is a lesson showing how short RNA fragments could have been synthesized in the presence of clay catalysts in a prebiotic environment and hints at how life could have emerged.

This work was supported by Dr. James Ferris, Director of the New York Center for Studies on the Origins of Life and Professor of Chemistry at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. Dr. Ferris and co-workers have demonstrated, among other things, polymerization of activated RNA nucleotides in the presence of a clay catalyst as described in this lesson. I was fortunate to be able to spend time in Dr. Ferris' lab at Rensselaer during the summer of 2000 along with my student Liz Vrolyk.

 

[AFRICAN]

Teacher Notes

The geochemistry of clays is an important part of this lesson because clay is acting as the catalyst in the formation of short RNA oligonucleotides. No catalysts of the type present in life today (enzymes, ribozymes) would have been present in a prebiotic environment, but other minerals besides clay may have catalyzed other reactions leading to the origins of life. Clay structures vary widely and could be the subject of a course unto themselves. What follows is the essential geochemical information one would need to proceed with this lesson. Geology references are included.

 

[AFRICAN]

Article

Analysis of Oligonucleotide DNA Binding and Sedimentation Properties of Montmorillonite Clay Using Ultraviolet Light Spectroscopy

Gary W. Beall, Drew S. Sowersby, Rachel D. Roberts, Michael H. Robson and L. Kevin Lewis*
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666
Biomacromolecules, 2009, 10 (1), pp 105–112
DOI: 10.1021/bm800970v
Publication Date (Web): December 5, 2008
Copyright © 2008 American Chemical Society

Abstract

Smectite clays such as montmorillonite form complexes with a variety of biomolecules, including the nucleic acids DNA and RNA. Most previous studies of DNA adsorption onto clay have relied on spectrophotometric analysis after the separation of free nucleic acids from bound complexes by centrifugation. In the current work, we demonstrate that such studies produce a consistent error because of (a) incomplete sedimentation of montmorillonite and (b) strong absorbance of the remaining clay at 260 nm. Clay sedimentation efficiency was strongly dependent on cation concentration (Na+ or Mg2+) and on the level of dispersion of the original suspension. An improved clay−DNA adsorption assay was developed and utilized to assess the impact of metal counterions on the binding of single-stranded DNA to montmorillonite. X-ray diffraction demonstrated, for the first time, the formation of intercalated structures consistent with orientation of the DNA strands parallel to the clay surface. Observed gallery spacings were found to match values calculated using atomistic modeling techniques closely.

 

[AFRICAN]

Quran 15:26 “… And certainly We created man of clay that gives forth sound, of black mud fashioned in shape…15:28…And when your Lord said to the angels: Surely I am going to create a mortal of the essence of black mud fashioned in shape….”

Two of the crucial components for the origin of life - genetic material and cell membranes - could have been introduced to one another by a lump of clay, new experiments have shown.

The study of montmorillonite clay, by Martin Hanczyc, Shelly Fujikawa and Jack Szostak at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, revealed it can sharply accelerate the formation of membranous fluid-filled sacs.

These vesicles also grow and undergo a simple form of division, giving them the properties of primitive cells. Previous work has shown that the same simple mineral can help assemble the genetic material RNA from simpler chemicals. "Interestingly, the clay also gets internalised in the vesicles," says Leslie Orgel, an origin of life expert at the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences in San Diego, California. "So this work is quite nice in that it finds a connection between the mechanism that creates RNA and encloses it in a membrane
Source Clay's matchmaking could have sparked life - 23 October 2003 - New Scientist

 

[AFRICAN]

One more thing ...
Quran did not just mention our coming from clay, but mentioned the particular type of clay! Montmorillonite (smectite) clay, a photoacoustic clay, clay that gives off sound from light (Quartz crystal property).
“…Quartz crystal acts as a transducer. It can convert energy in the form of light into energy in the form of sound, or vibration ( and vice versa )…”

evidence is from the Quranic verses- 15:26 “… And certainly We created man of clay that gives forth sound…”

“We will show them Our Signs on the horizon(geography, ecology, astronomy, space travel etc) and within themselves(genetics, Biochemistry, microscopy etc) until it is clear to them that it is the truth”,(Quran Surah Fussilat, 53)

He Who has created all things in the best possible way. He commenced the creation of man from clay; then He made his progeny from an extract of discarded fluid. (Qur’an, 32:7-8)

 

[DarkSun]

Logic.

Energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only change forms. Basic scientific principle. I do not know the mechanics of how this was discovered, as I am not a scientist myself. But I'll put my trust in them before I put my trust in an ancient text when it comes to the nature of the world.

Most scientists don't concern themselves with the history of science. It's just too long-winded, and essentially irrelevant. As long as you know the principles, how to communicate them and how they're applied, then you're fine. Who came up with the principle doesn't necessarily matter.

Anyway, here is a brief history of the Law of Conservation of Energy. ^_^

 

[DarkSun]

One more thing ...
Quran did not just mention our coming from clay, but mentioned the particular type of clay! Montmorillonite (smectite) clay, a photoacoustic clay, clay that gives off sound from light (Quartz crystal property).
“…Quartz crystal acts as a transducer. It can convert energy in the form of light into energy in the form of sound, or vibration ( and vice versa )…”

evidence is from the Quranic verses- 15:26 “… And certainly We created man of clay that gives forth sound…”

“We will show them Our Signs on the horizon(geography, ecology, astronomy, space travel etc) and within themselves(genetics, Biochemistry, microscopy etc) until it is clear to them that it is the truth”,(Quran Surah Fussilat, 53)

He Who has created all things in the best possible way. He commenced the creation of man from clay; then He made his progeny from an extract of discarded fluid. (Qur’an, 32:7-8)

I can see where you're coming from . . .

 

[DarkSun]

Another Source ..

New york center for studies on the origins of life
A Nasa Specialized center of research and training

Astrobiology

Clay-Catalyzed RNA Polymerization Activity


Overview

This lesson was developed for use in general biology, chemistry, or geology classrooms to teach current Origin of Life theories, especially the feasibility of the "RNA world" hypothesis (see readings). As a biology teacher I always find teaching about "the origin of life on earth" fascinating but at the same time frustrating. The information given in most textbooks is limited at best, although more is being uncovered in this field daily. While no one is ever likely to know the exact mechanism that led to life on early earth, the notion that RNA played a pivotal role is gaining momentum. Origins research is currently a rich area of speculation and investigation. The nature of the question has captured the imagination of many and has become part of a developing field of research called Astrobiology.

A central problem with teaching about the origins of life on earth lies in explaining how the jump from a collection of organic molecules to even primitive life forms could have come about. With recent work on RNA and ribozymes, many researchers think they are moving closer to solving this mystery. The RNA world hypothesis proposes that RNA was the first molecule of biological significance, acting as an enzyme-like catalyst (ribozyme) as well as a self-replicating information storage molecule. Many students are already familiar with RNA and its various cellular functions, such as its role in protein synthesis. This is a lesson showing how short RNA fragments could have been synthesized in the presence of clay catalysts in a prebiotic environment and hints at how life could have emerged.

This work was supported by Dr. James Ferris, Director of the New York Center for Studies on the Origins of Life and Professor of Chemistry at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. Dr. Ferris and co-workers have demonstrated, among other things, polymerization of activated RNA nucleotides in the presence of a clay catalyst as described in this lesson. I was fortunate to be able to spend time in Dr. Ferris' lab at Rensselaer during the summer of 2000 along with my student Liz Vrolyk.

No where does this say that people are made of clay. Even the part you have put in red.

 

[cottage]

No where does this say that people are made of clay. Even the part you have put in red.

Yes, exactly! And even what it does say is only a suggestion, ie: 'could'. The moon could have begun as blue cheese.

 

[Metempsychosis]

Hello african,Your attempts to preach your religion,are not new to us.U may say that you are "inviting" us to the truth.That again is not new to us.

 

[darkendless]

Article

Analysis of Oligonucleotide DNA Binding and Sedimentation Properties of Montmorillonite Clay Using Ultraviolet Light Spectroscopy

Gary W. Beall, Drew S. Sowersby, Rachel D. Roberts, Michael H. Robson and L. Kevin Lewis*
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666
Biomacromolecules, 2009, 10 (1), pp 105–112
DOI: 10.1021/bm800970v
Publication Date (Web): December 5, 2008
Copyright © 2008 American Chemical Society

Abstract

Smectite clays such as montmorillonite form complexes with a variety of biomolecules, including the nucleic acids DNA and RNA. Most previous studies of DNA adsorption onto clay have relied on spectrophotometric analysis after the separation of free nucleic acids from bound complexes by centrifugation. In the current work, we demonstrate that such studies produce a consistent error because of (a) incomplete sedimentation of montmorillonite and (b) strong absorbance of the remaining clay at 260 nm. Clay sedimentation efficiency was strongly dependent on cation concentration (Na+ or Mg2+) and on the level of dispersion of the original suspension. An improved clay−DNA adsorption assay was developed and utilized to assess the impact of metal counterions on the binding of single-stranded DNA to montmorillonite. X-ray diffraction demonstrated, for the first time, the formation of intercalated structures consistent with orientation of the DNA strands parallel to the clay surface. Observed gallery spacings were found to match values calculated using atomistic modeling techniques closely.

You're talking **** out of your ***. You have straight copied and pasted with not a clue what you're on about.

Could you please tell me why montmorillonite is more if at all special than say Kaolonite?

Just if you don't mind sharing some of your obvious wisdom.

For your imformation:

Sedimentation of montmorillonite is only incomplete when compared relatively to other forms of clay which rate differently in terms of activity. Sodium based montmorillonitehas incredible activity so as a result sedimentation is impossible given that moisture content variation of between 1 and 2% of the total volume can cause rediculous swelling and shrinking.

Another problem with the study performed is that they are using absolutes. If you can find pure sodium montmorillonite in nature you're doing something wrong.

The problem with your arguement is that whilst what you say is true, sodium montmorillonite is never found in nature in significant enough quantites to extract. Thus, how did we develop from a bunch of weather rocks which is essentially clay.

 

[Kerr]

A thickened liquid (Sperm). Man is made of sperm ( Science proves, ask a biology teacher).

Sorry to go back so many pages... but according to this logic we are made of an egg as well.

A sperm has only one set of genes, it only has 23 chromosomes, they do not come in a pair as in a fully grown human. An egg is the same. It is first when an egg and a sperm is joined that we get a cell capable of creating a human. A single cell, not a sperm or an egg, but a cell, and that cell has a pair of every gene and 46 chromosomes (this is simplified, though). So no, we are not made of sperms or eggs.

 

[Kerr]

Ohhhh, and about the clay thing, in our schools we where only told that during our religious lessons, and that was in order to learn about religions. In biology we learned that we are made our of cells, cells are made out o things like DNA, RNA, proteins, water and so on. Those are not "clay". Fact is that no one who understands how the human body really works will make a claim like that... or anyone who knows what clay is...

Do you even know what clay is, by the way?

 

[YmirGF]

I know what ever evidence i bring forth you will deny but here it is ...

A. G. Cairns-Smith - references

Richard Dawkins

Cairns-Smith's ideas were favourably mentioned in Richard Dawkins' "The Selfish Gene", 1976:

The original replicators may have been a related kind of molecule to DNA, or they may have been totally different. In the latter case we might say that their survival machines must have been seized at a later stage by DNA. If so, the original replicators were utterly destroyed, for no trace of them remains in modern survival machines. Along these lines, A. G. Cairns-Smith has made the intriguing suggestion that our ancestors, the first replicators, may have been not organic molecules at all, but inorganic crystals-minerals, little bits of clay.''​

- Richard Dawkins, The Selfish Gene, page 21.

While Dawkins calls it an "intriguing suggestion" it should be noted that this is also the only reference to clay that he makes. It is merely an idea, in passing. Likewise, it is highly unlikely that A. G. Cairns-Smith means "from clay" in the same sense that it is given in the Qur'an.

 

[Caladan]

While Dawkins calls it an "intriguing suggestion" it should be noted that this is also the only reference to clay that he makes. It is merely an idea in passing.

I find it curious that the standard for evidence are merely hypothetical ideas. Cairns-Smith's theory is not widely held, BTW. Ironically I just read it a short hour ago in Dawkin's The Blind Watchmaker, where Dawkins simply used it as a model example, nothing more. it is also a bad example in the context of this thread, because it refers to the theoretical original life forms on this planet that were replaced by organic based life forms (carbon based as opposed to silica based).

 

[Autodidact]

What say you, RF? Has AFRICAN posted scientific sources supporting his assertion that people are made of clay? Should I be giving up my atheism and converting to Islam, as I promised?

 

[AFRICAN]

You're talking **** out of your ***. You have straight copied and pasted with not a clue what you're on about.

Could you please tell me why montmorillonite is more if at all special than say Kaolonite?

Just if you don't mind sharing some of your obvious wisdom.

For your imformation:

Sedimentation of montmorillonite is only incomplete when compared relatively to other forms of clay which rate differently in terms of activity. Sodium based montmorillonitehas incredible activity so as a result sedimentation is impossible given that moisture content variation of between 1 and 2% of the total volume can cause rediculous swelling and shrinking.

Another problem with the study performed is that they are using absolutes. If you can find pure sodium montmorillonite in nature you're doing something wrong.

The problem with your arguement is that whilst what you say is true, sodium montmorillonite is never found in nature in significant enough quantites to extract. Thus, how did we develop from a bunch of weather rocks which is essentially clay.

Sorry brother i didnt say i was a scientist , i already linked the source and here it is again Clay's matchmaking could have sparked life - 23 October 2003 - New Scientist

 

[AFRICAN]

Sorry to go back so many pages... but according to this logic we are made of an egg as well.

A sperm has only one set of genes, it only has 23 chromosomes, they do not come in a pair as in a fully grown human. An egg is the same. It is first when an egg and a sperm is joined that we get a cell capable of creating a human. A single cell, not a sperm or an egg, but a cell, and that cell has a pair of every gene and 46 chromosomes (this is simplified, though). So no, we are not made of sperms or eggs.

I can give you links scientific proofs if you want Thank you ..

 

[Tiapan]

AFRICAN

Quran did not just mention our coming from clay, but mentioned the particular type of clay! Montmorillonite (smectite) clay, a photoacoustic clay, clay that gives off sound from light (Quartz crystal property).
“…Quartz crystal acts as a transducer. It can convert energy in the form of light into energy in the form of sound, or vibration ( and vice versa )…”

evidence is from the Quranic verses- 15:26 “… And certainly We created man of clay that gives forth sound…”

The rest of the info is in the topic THE CREATION take care have a blessed day ..

Thank you AFRICAN for your message. It certainly adds spice to our debate.

[15.26] And certainly We created man of clay that gives forth sound, of black mud fashioned in shape.

First the term "We" who are the "we"?, rather than "I" eg Allah (swt) the creator. The term "Man" is that the finished adult male, an embryo or a single fertile cell. Remember cells were only discovered after the invention of the microscope, in the late 17th century, when diseases were still regarded as evil spirits or aires because microbiology had yet to be discovered. Also Montmorillonite is usually white or yellowish not black. Most animals including humans do tend to make sounds, so is it refering to the raw materials or finished product man that is making the noise, another ambiguity with multiple interpretations. Still very vague. Afterall many types of life actually move, it could possibly be interpreted as mechanical sound.

I read the above Qaranic extract literally as "humans were made of and shaped from a black clay which had a property giving forth sound."

Many solids and gases exhibit this photoacoustic effect including montmorillonite so the effect is not uncommon. However in the case of Montmorillonite the excitation is in the infrared part of the spectrum and the acoustic or mechanical crystal latice distortion the absorbed energy creates is at frequencies that can not be really described as "sound" ie well out side any hearing frequency. Normal hearing is in the range of 25-25000Hz, dogs bats whales can hear much higher frequencies over 100,000hz. but still we are out side the range these minerals oscillate at which is in the MHz region. This clay will oscillate when an infrared laser is shone at it, but no one will ever hear it ie no sound. It also requires heating to 600-1400C to observe the effect.

see

KRISHNA BUKKA AND J. D. MILLER, Clays and Clay Minerals, Vol. 40, No. 1, 92-102, 1992.

Montmorillonite is a clay that swells when water is added, like Benonite, so it is regularly used to line water dams and toxic waste dumps to swell and form a sealing layer isolating it from the rest of the environment and stop leaks to the surrounding soil. If Allah (swt) had wanted us to clearly recognise this particular clay why did he not tell us of the more visible and obvious water swelling properties. eg

[15.26] And certainly We created man of clay that swells with water, of white or yellowish mud fashioned as a mould.

Also clay in the shaping stage is a bit like lead. It does not make much sound, more of a thud, but when fired it can ring like a bell, a definite sound, but the verse says nothing of a firing process. Yet this is a more logical interpretation of the mention "gives forth sound" bit.

I guess the key argument against the interpretation that Montmorillonite is NOT what humans are made of, is the fact that these clays are Silicates, the silicon content of your average human is trace only, usually only breathed in dust. It is clear from the text that man is supposed to be made totally OF clay. That is then some how transmuted to carbon, and then animated. For silicate to transmutate into organic carbon, is as valid as turning lead to gold. It might be done in miniscule quantities but you would need a big nuclear reactor to do it and even then to break up Silicon element 28 to carbon element 12 and at least oxygen element 16, is not a normal fission reaction. So I see this as the main failing of the argument. The silcon is just not there.

I think you are grasping at straws when you claim that the Koran literally defines montmonillonite as THE clay, described. To me the Quran and Bible should not to be read literally, they are a series totally metaphorical moral examples of how to live in a society. Taking the text literally leads to dangerous ideological clashes as the RF shows, with many illogicalities and inconsistencies. It is the underlying thought or theme they portray that is far more important. They are full of extremely vague and broad short descriptions meaning it could refer to a myriad of unique combinations of environments and substances and is not specific. At a stretch, I could for example claim it means clay is formed into a mould into which a black something is poured and eventually creating a life form WITHIN the clay mould, but a complete human in presumably seconds, that is getting a bit ridiculous and far fetched.

But lets give you the benefit of the doubt...

if I was indicating Montmonillonite as the particular clay involved, I would have written it as...

[15.26] And certainly We created man of clay that swells with water, of white or yellowish mud fashioned into a mould and filled with water. Then be patient and wait for billions of years for the microbe to emerge.

But that is not what the Quran says

The original again
[15.26] And certainly We created man of clay that gives forth sound, of black mud fashioned in shape.

Underlying the literal description one could possibly interpret the metaphorical meaning, as animated life is made from inanimate earthly substances minerals and lots of water and carbon (black?) compounds. This agrees with abiogenesis theory. However, If you look at lipid micelle and RNA formation ON the surface of these clays we find clear evidence that complex life type chemistry and membrane formation with the ability to replicate, can occur from "inert" materials naturally (Abiogenesis) without the intervention or necessity for a creator. see for example

Clay's matchmaking could have sparked life - 23 October 2003 - New Scientist

I find this a far more reasonable and logical position than trying to justify the transmutation of silicon to carbon, the chemistry and physics simply does not match.


Cheers

 

[AFRICAN]

Hello african,Your attempts to preach your religion,are not new to us.U may say that you are "inviting" us to the truth.That again is not new to us.

Hey brother i have no intention of preaching as i dont have that kind of knowledge ,and am not inviting you to any truth the Truth is already there just use the Logic and reason you have been granted ...take care