The Jigsaw Model : An Explanation for the Evolution of Complex Biochemical Systems and the Origin of Life ( January 18 , 2000 )

Living organisms contain complex biochemical systems of co-adapted molecules, usually proteins, that are difficult to account for through random variation and natural selection. Living organisms also contain complex biomechanical systems of co-adapted parts that are difficult to account for through random variation and natural selection. Similarly, even the simplest living organisms appear to be complex biochemical systems of coadapted molecules. It is extremely difficult to explain how such a first living organism could have been assembled by random combination of molecules in the hypothetical prebiotic soup. A mechanism is proposed to account for the appearance of complex biochemical systems of co-adapted molecules, essentially machines, both in living organisms and in the prebiotic soup. This mechanism is not consistent with current understanding of the genetic code and, if true, would indicate that current understanding of the genetic code is incomplete. The mechanism may account for the appearance and function of supposedly non-coding or “junk” DNA in the genome. Some speculations on the practical value for medicine of finding and elucidating this mechanism, if it exists, are presented. John F. McGowan, Ph.D./Explanation for Life/2 of 10