Page 208 - The Miracle of Protein

206 THE MIRACLE OF PROTEIN

FAULTY PROTEINS AND DISEASES
RESULTING FROM MUTATIONS

We have seen that a large number of enzymes take part in
the synthesis of amino acids and the building blocks of pro-
teins. However, even the slightest error or missing parts in
these enzymes can cause disease and even be deadly.
The latest researches on genetics showed that human
DNA contains around 25,000 genes, and that mutations on
these genes can cause more than 6,000 genetic disorders. The

researchers are yet to find cures for many of these diseases. 105
For instance, genetic errors in the enzyme named pheny-
lalanine hydroxylase used for the production of amino acid
called tyrosine, can cause mental problems, irregular tempera-
ture changes, defects in walking, and paralysis. 106 Parkinson is

also related to the reduction of cells that produce dopamine, a
substance made up amino acids. Not only the construction, but
also the destruction of amino acids in the cell is subject to strict
controls. For instance, mutations on the genes that code the en-
zyme named alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase, cause physical
and mental disability named MSUD and sometimes death. 107
Let alone the mutations in the gene sequence of the DNA
that encodes the protein, even the misfolding of certain pro-

teins can cause diseases such as mad cow disease that seriously
damages brain tissue. 108

The Miller Experiment:

A Lesson in Failure
In the 20 century, Darwinists began seeking an answer to
th
the question of how the first cell came into being. The first work

on this subject was done by Alexander L. Oparin, a Russian bi-
ologist who proposed the "chemical evolution" model. But