Chapter 14, Problem 35A

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

If Darwin was alive, would he consider proteins in organic beings or not.

Introduction:

Charles Darwin has given the theory of evolution in his book ‘Origin of Species’ through the concept of natural selection. In this, he explained that changes occur in the organisms over a time period which is inheritable to the next generation.

Explanation of Solution

If Darwin was alive today, he would be the modern field biologist. He loved to go in the fields and collect living plants and animals and fossils too. At the same time, he could be fascinated by the scientific and technological advances which are prevailing in today’s era. Genetics, biochemistry, ecology, animal behavior, molecular biology all have supplied powerful pieces of evidence to the evolutionary theory which was postulated by Darwin. The amount of information stored in DNA and proteins are unlimited and hence scientists can reconstruct the evolutionary details with sufficient time and with adequate laboratory resources available.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that Darwin would include proteins in organic beings as DNA and proteins are the basis of the transmission of traits from one generation to the other.