The smallest living organism is the cell. All plant and animal life is composed of cells. Single-cell organisms are “alive;” that is, they are able to survive on their own. But even the most basic cell is incredibly complex.
Inside each cell are certain molecules – DNA, RNA, proteins. Those molecules resemble the computers, interfaces and factory machines that humans have built. But the cellular molecules are far, far more efficient and reliable than man-made structures.
The molecules in living cells are organized much like factories that produce essential goods. Those factories are organized much like cities – complete with transportation systems, resource distribution systems, waste management systems, repair stations, and command and control centers. But again, these cellular factories and cities are far more efficient and far more reliable than their man-made counterparts.
Here are the main components and how they contribute to the cell’s complex, coordinated function:
• Cell Membrane: This acts as the city limits and security gate. It surrounds the cell and precisely controls what enters and exits, ensuring essential materials like nutrients get in and waste products are removed.
• Nucleus: This is the city hall or control center. It stores the cell’s DNA, the master blueprint containing all the instructions for building and operating the entire organism.
• Mitochondria: These are the power plants. They break down food molecules to generate the energy (ATP) the cell needs to perform all its tasks.
• Ribosomes: These serve as the construction crew. Acting on instructions from the DNA, they assemble proteins, which are the essential workhorse molecules (nanomachines) of the cell.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and Golgi Apparatus: These function as the manufacturing and packaging facilities, and the shipping department. They process, fold, and package proteins and other molecules for use inside or outside the cell.
• Cytoplasm: This is the jelly-like fluid filling the cell, where all the organelles are suspended and a constant stream of chemical reactions occurs.
The coordinated operation of these components demonstrates a remarkable level of organization and efficiency, with thousands of chemical reactions happening every second to keep the cell alive and functioning.
As David said long ago, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalms 139:14.
Long before mankind even knew of the existence of cells, or their component structures, we built functional factories and cities along the same basic design. Nobody asserts that a modern factory spontaneously appeared over eons of time. Nobody thinks city structures and systems are the result of evolution. Factories and cities had a designer, and someone built them.
How then can biologists insist that an incredibly complex single cell is the result of non-living pieces that evolved over millions of years into well-organized, wellfunctioning, systematic structures. It takes a lot more faith to believe in evolution than it does to believe the Bible.