[b] [QUOTE]
Tha basic point is that it is information. In this quote from Nature, it does not appear to me that they’re simply using the phrase genetic information as an analogy based on a structural/attributive definition... They state that The nucleus of a single cell (left)
contains all the genetic information required to make the human body. This genetic information is packaged as chromosomes (right) [emphasis mine].[1] They are referring directly to genetic information, not using it as an analogy, as you suppose, and are saying that this genetic information, not the analogy of it, it itself packaged as chromosomes. Nature also states that Genes are transcribed as continuous sequences, but only some segments of the resulting messenger RNA molecules contain information that codes for the gene’s protein product. These segments are called exons. The regions between exons are known as introns, and are spliced from the RNA before the product is made [emphasis mine].[2] Once again, not an analogy. Perhaps if you gave me a quote from Nature stating that they view the genetic information they speak of as an analogy, I would be more inclined to believe this.
[/b][/QUOTE]
It is VERY important to distinguish between a lay use of the term
'information' and the term 'information' as used in information
science.
The above is lay use, and 'infomation' above should be replaced
by 'data'.
[b] [QUOTE]
Dawkins and Sagan both appear to be talking about information, in the sense of meaning and specificity, andnot using an algorithmic description, as you say. For example, Dawkins (in The Blind Watchmaker) uses a computer to see if he can generate the sentence METHINKS IT IS LIKE A WEASEL by chance. (Of course the major flaw in his experiment is that he has a pre-set ‘target sequence’, which nature would not have: Despite superficially impressive results, these ‘simulations’ conceal an abvious flaw: molecules in situ do not have a target sequence in mind, nor will they confer any selective advantage on a cell and thus differentially reproduce until they combine in a functionally advantageous arrangement.[3]).
Notice that Dawkins’ sentence makes sense. It is not FHAMEBDD HD BC QBXY D YSULFD, but METHINKS IT IS LIKE A WEASEL. It makes sense. In like respect, the order of nucleotides make sense to DNA, mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes, etc. A sequence like AHBHAHBHAHBHAHBH is ordered, but has no information or meaning. It is simply ordered, like a crystal’s structure. However, the sentence HELP ME PLEASE! has information content because it has specified complexity. It is not ordered in a pattern, but carries meaning. Say the sentence HELP ME PLEASE! is what we want. On our first try with Dawkins’ computer program, we get HWNTYXLISQNXVRT.
[/b][/QUOTE]
'HELP ME PLEASE!' does NOT have an objective information content.
If you place this sequence of letters in front of an individual
with NO knowlegde of western european languages it is meaningless.
'Information' is OBTAINED from data by an interpretive act.
We consider genetic data to contain information because we observe
a relationship between DNA sequences and functions within the
organism.
It is the OBSERVATION OF A RELATIONSHIP which is information, not
the DNA (which is just data).
quote:
We do not conclude then that information can arise by chance, because this sentence has absolutely no meaning!
In evolution we are NOT dealing with random chance.
Basically the situation is that some sequences which are formed
are unviable in a particular environment (or at all). Those
sequences are NOT carried forward to the next generation, because
the organism within which they reside is NOT viable under the
current environmental conditions.
Only viable sequences are carried forward to the next generation.
I once wrote a computer program which generated decimal digit
sequences, and had only a few simple rules::
1. A sequence can repicate after it has existed for 3 time periods
2. Sequences containing even digits 'die' immediately
3. Replication can contain errors
Not suprisingly only sequences containing all odd digits proliferate.
The analogy here concerns viability.
Viability is related to the environment.
Biological information can only be connected to the relationship
between the organism and the environment within which it finds
itself.
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