What is Life

Life

Life on earth is recognized by key criteria. Some insist upon arguing whether or not our definition of life is the absolute criteria for recognizing it elsewhere.  Irrespective of an “absolute” definition for what qualifies as life, (e.g. are planets alive? etc.), earth-based organisms are all consistent in key regards.  All cells consist of DNA (information), ribosome (decoder/translator), and a boundary or membrane. 

Without knowing all the specifics, the key is to recognize that these components exist in all living things and that they are highly precise and specific structures, not simply a hodgepodge of random chemicals.

DNA

DNA is an information medium.  Like a hard-drive or flash drive it is digital.  It stores data pertaining to the organism, most specifically proteins (the motors and machines that operate within and between cells).    

DNA is formally referred to as the Genetic Code. The stem of ‘genetic’ gene means to create; like Genesis. The shape of DNA is a double helix spiral and this shape optimizes the amount of data which can be stored.  DNA houses more information per unit than the most advanced digital storage devices created by human beings^ss.  The information is contained in a sequence comprised of 4 chemical symbols or bases: A, C, G and T which are read in blocks of three (triplets) creating a 64 character alphabet.  The number 64 is derived from the fact that with 4 bases read in combinations of 3 there are 64 possible sequences: e.g. CGT, TGC, etc.

DNA is Language

Unlike regularly occurring molecules, DNA is a non-repeating, non-geometric sequence: a language.  This is a literal statement; it is not a metaphor used to describe something that is like language.  Consequently, DNA is called the genetic code.  Code is defined as:

A system of words, letters, figures, or other symbols used to represent others,
a particular sequence or pattern in order to convey a meaning.

Semantics aside, we have objective evidence DNA is a bona fide language and information storage medium for the simple fact that we have written information to it.¹² Because we can now write our own computer files to DNA any pretense that this molecule, present in all living things, is not actually a manifestation of language is effectively erased.  All instances of information are expressions of language in one form or another.

Ribosome

The ribosome is a large and complex molecular machine within the cell.  Its job is to create (synthesize) proteins according to the instructions laid out by messenger RNAs, who in turn receive their instructions from the original DNA.  In other words, the Ribosome is a translator for the information stored in DNA.

The assembly process of a Ribosome involves the coordinated function of over 200 proteins, so it cannot legitimately form by any known natural process³.  It is a highly specific machine, one we cannot make from scratch.  There is no hypothesis or computer model explaining its origin, other than of course, “nature had a long time.”  Yet the simple fact remains that only ribosomes can produce proteins of the nature that comprise ribosomes. 

The ribosome, both looking at the past and at the future, is a very significant structure -- it's the most complicated thing that is present in all organisms.⁴

The cell

The simplest single celled organism consists of the following parts.  (Below)  None of these components are the consequence of any known natural process.  In fact, we know nature does not produce these things, because a plan –DNA- is first needed.  When something requires a plan, it is because it won’t happen when nature is left to its own devices.  It is like the difference between a canyon forged through years of the regular (repeating) ocean currents and a skyscraper which is very technical and precise.

Yet DNA also requires a cell to replicate; thus we have a paradox, because cells are made from the plan of DNA.

Regarding the following list of components, the logical problem is that none of these processes are found in nature, nor would they make sense if they occurred in isolation.  So, not only are each of these processes ‘highly unlikely,’ they wouldn’t make sense if they occurred other than all together.  And for these all to occur together would require not merely a series of miracles, but parallel miracles – many impossible things happening at once.

RNA MODIFICATION, RIBOSOME ASSEMBLY, TERNIMAL ORGANELLE ASSEMBLY, DNA Replication, Replication Initiation, Macro-Molecular Complexation, Pretin Modification, Protein Folding, DNA Supercoiling, Metabolism, RNA Decay, RNA Modifications, External Environment Interface,                Membrane Intelligence

With the net-work of over 1200 hundred researchers, a group recently managed to successfully model a single cell.  It took the computing power of 128 computers just to simulate its activities.  Below is a representation of the coordinate events taking place within the most “basic” living organism.  The human body has over 50 trillion times the amount of cells. Cells that not only have interior functions, but must communicate with one another – constantly.  Thus, there is not enough computational power in the known universe to simulate a human body.

So, we’ve identified the key features and structures that define life as we know it.  Information, Translation and Protein Synthesis, and Boundaries (cell membrane).