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Acid) copies segments of the DNA; that is, it makes a copy of the base pair sequences through a process called transcription. This messenger RNA then physically conveys this template from a cell nucleus to cellular structures called ribosomes. Ribosomes attach to the end of the messenger RNA molecule and travel down the template, translating the information encoded in its base sequence and incorporating specified amino acids into a growing protein molecule. Multiple ribosomes will attach to a single messenger RNA molecule, simultaneously translating the information contained in the template into multiple growing protein molecules, all of which have an identical amino acid sequence that defines its form and function. The ultimate result is the physical construction of cell components according to the DNA blueprint.

Our consideration of the DNA replication process is not nearly of sufficient detail to provide a significant insight into the molecular chemistry involved; and, that is not our intent. Rather, what is interesting is how modifications to just the right molecules at just the right times within the replication process can have pronounced effects on the resultant, replicated DNA. A change in a single base pair can perhaps have an effect in the cell construction and operation that derives from the DNA. More likely, however, such a change will be compensated for by the fact that only relatively small sections of the DNA are actually utilized for these processes in a typical cell. That is, within the cell the higher probability is that a random DNA change will impact a neutral segment of the DNA molecule. However, if for example the change results in a modification of the attachment point for the protein molecule that delimits a section of the DNA being replicated, then the resultant DNA contains a much more significant change.

The individual members of Homo sapiens sapiens emerge from a single cell; the result of the initial conception of the individual. Historically, there have been at least two central questions that revolve around this point; one philosophical and one technical. The philosophical question is, “Does a person come into being at the point of conception, or does the person emerge at some later point in the development process?” Fully understanding the metaphorical reference to person is obviously central to answering this question. This is, of course, a central point of intersection and conflict among social systems today. While we might contribute some technical information around the edges, we are certainly unable to offer an answer to this question. The second question is related, but can be couched as a technical rather than philosophical consideration. Specifically, “Is the entity that derives from conception complete from the point of conception, or is there a development process that essentially builds up a new, complete human over time?” This latter concept was given the designation of epigenesis and more accurately reflects the biological development process of a person. The result is the specialization of cells to form the many constituent components of a living organism and to facilitate the special services provided by these various components; germ cells, then specialized differentiated cells, then organs and then the complete organism.

Our extremely elementary rendition of how DNA replicates and guides the specialization of form and function of cells is aimed at a couple of basic points. First, at its most basic, life appears to be about mass. To replicate or reproduce is to increase the mass of comparable life; this defines good within the policy process evoked by the basic physical processes of life. Failure to reproduce does not increase mass and, in the extreme results in the total absence of comparable life. This defines bad. The terms good and bad apply an anthropomorphic and more specifically moral view to essentially mechanical and chemical functions, but they at least give us a sense of direction in the consideration of evolutionary mechanisms. They provide the guidelines and goalposts of a process called natural selection. If sufficient new constituent components are available, if sufficient energy is available to drive the alignment and recombination mechanisms and if the processes themselves are allowed to proceed unhindered, then life continues. If either sufficient energy or new

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