June 2005: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 2

DNA

Cont’d from page 1

He raises a question to us—while forgetting his initial creation— "Who can resurrect the bones after they had rotted?" Say, "The One who initiated them in the first place will resurrect them. He is fully aware of every creations. (36:78-79).

Our cells use different codes to determine what functions to carry out, just as we use code to communicate. We learn from the Quran:

Anything that happens on earth, or to you, has already been recorded, even before creation. This is easy for God to do. (57:22)

DNA provides information for the synthesis of components (proteins) necessary for cellular function. Our DNA is inherited from our parents. We resemble our parents simply because our bodies were formed using DNA to guide the process. We learn from the Quran:

We created the human being from a certain

kind of mud. Subsequently, we reproduced him from a tiny drop, that is placed into a well-protected repository. Then we developed the drop into a hanging (embryo), then developed the hanging (embryo) into a bite-size (fetus), then created the bite-size (fetus) into bones, then covered the bones with flesh. We thus produce a new creature. Most blessed is GOD, the best Creator. (23:12-14)

Inside every cell, there is the information that determines what function the cell performs. This information is in the form of DNA that is found in chromosomes that exist in the nucleus of our cells. We learn from the Quran:

He produces the live from the dead, and produces the dead from the live, and He revives the land after it had died; you are similarly resurrected. (30:19)

The most important part of the cell is the nucleus. Inside this nucleus is a material called chromosome. Cells in our body contain 23 pairs of chromosomes. Each chromosome of a pair stands for the same traits as its counterpart. A

chromosome is a long strand of DNA that contains certain genes. These genes are portions of the DNA strand and tell the body what proteins to make. These proteins help carry out the functions of the cell. They form the structure of our skin and hair, act as enzymes to break down our food, and regulate the different processes of the cell and carry the genetic information of the cell.

DNA is the coded message for the chemicals that make up our body. DNA tells the body what proteins to make, which in turn carry out the functions of the cell, and form the structures of the cell. Every cell in our body has the same genes and DNA. Our cells have all the genetic information for our whole body. We learn from the Quran:

We will show them our proofs in the horizons, and within themselves, until they realize that this is the truth. Is your Lord not sufficient as a witness of all things? (41:53)

God be glorified.

Irtaza