Those Amazing G Protein Receptors | The Institute for Creation Research

Those Amazing G Protein Receptors

Using freeze-fracturing and an electron microscope, researchers can indirectly view the plasma membrane of a human cell. What is revealed are large, globular protein molecules that stud the bi-lipid membrane. These proteins are designed by the Creator to receive chemical information such as hormones. One large group of these cell surface proteins is called the G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) composed of seven membrane-spanning helices. Receptors are proteins designed to process molecular signals. GPCRs are divided into five major classes and "mediate an extraordinary spectrum of cellular processes."1 For example, they are involved with the reception of light energy packets called photons resulting in our being able to see (these are the rhodopsin-like receptors, belonging to class A of the GPCR superfamily). Over one percent of the total mammalian genes are represented by GPCRs. Hormones belong to a general group called ligands, molecules that physically bind to receptors on the plasma membrane. The G proteins (composed of three subunits) are intermediaries between these membrane-spanning receptors and effectors (designed to activate cellular processes). The receptor, effector, and G proteins are all directly associated with the plasma membrane. But how the G protein subunits are actually activated after ligands attach to the receptors forming a specific complex is not well understood.

Can Darwinists document the evolution of these amazing molecules? No. According to secular biologists the GPCRs, ligands, and effectors have been around since before the Precambrian about "600 million years ago." In other words, as far as science is concerned, these complex proteins have always been what they are today, in keeping with the creation science model.

Random genetic mistakes, or mutations, supposedly made the GPCRs, and mutations are now responsible for disease conditions involving GPCRs.

mutations in the genes encoding these receptors have been implicated in numerous diseases.2

Once again, Darwinists rely on chance genetic mistakes coupled with natural selection to produce some of the most detailed and complex biological molecules ever discovered. Either they are right or the Apostle Paul is right when he stated that God's creative power is "clearly seen" in the creation (Romans 1:20).

References

  1. Karp, G. 2002. Cell & Molecular Biology. John Wiley & Sons, p. 636.
  2. Palczewski, K. 2006. G protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin. Annual Review of Biochemistry. 75:744. (See also: Madabushi, S., et al. 2004. Evolutionary trace of GPCRs. Journal of Biol. Chem. (9):8126-32.)

*Frank Sherwin is a zoologist and seminar speaker for ICR.

Cite this article: Frank Sherwin, D.Sc. (Hon.). 2006. Those Amazing G Protein Receptors. Acts & Facts. 35 (12).

The Latest
NEWS
Designed Deep-sea Vertebrates
Creationists marvel that God has designed creatures both small and big to inhabit a variety of punishing habitats. These examples include the bacteria...

CREATION.LIVE PODCAST
Beauty for Beauty's Sake! | Creation.Live Podcast: Episode 17
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? Or is beauty an objective standard? Where do our ideas of beauty even come from?   Hosts...

NEWS
Fire Sensory Capabilities of the Venus Flytrap
Fascinating discoveries have been made regarding the amazing Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula).1 For example, all parts of this amazing plant...

CREATION PODCAST
What Really Swallowed Jonah? | The Creation Podcast: Episode...
The book of Jonah contains the historical account of the prophet Jonah. In verse 17 of chapter 1, the text states that the Lord prepared a great...

NEWS
More Flood Evidence
Paleontologists recently discovered the partial fossils of two new species of dinosaur just outside of Casablanca. As stated in a Science Direct article,...

NEWS
New York Times Editorial: Big Bang Unraveling?
Two physicists have suggested in a recent New York Times guest editorial that Big Bang cosmology ‘may be starting to unravel.’1...

NEWS
Your Functional ''Yolk Sac''
For decades, evolutionists pointed to dozens of ‘useless artifacts’ of the human body to make their questionable case for evolution. But...

NEWS
The Beauty of Creation: Created for God’s Own Glory
Have you ever wondered why a sunset on a beach is captivating, snowcapped mountains are breathtaking, and a valley filled with wildflowers is enchanting? Scripture,...

CREATION PODCAST
Devastating, Dangerous, and Deadly Bacteria? | The Creation Podcast:...
Bacteria are everywhere! While we can't see them with the naked eye, these little critters are everywhere, even in and on your body! Some of...

NEWS
Pre-Flood Reptile Fossil Discovered With Baleen
Baleen whales (suborder Mysticeti) are amazing filter-feeding mammals of the sea. They belong to a group called the Cetacea. Evolutionists suggest they...