Does De Novo Gene Birth Answer the Information Question?
If some genes arise from DNA that previously did not encode a gene, this appears to provide a direct natural mechanism for generating new genetic information. Does evidence for de novo gene birth therefore answer the Intelligent Design challenge concerning the origin of biological information?
Why This Matters
De novo gene birth is particularly important because it concerns the emergence of genes without simply copying an already established protein-coding gene. It therefore bears directly upon claims that natural evolutionary processes can only modify or rearrange information that already exists.
Response
Evidence supports the conclusion that some genes can originate from ancestrally noncoding or non-genic sequences. Researchers have identified candidate young genes and proposed intermediate stages involving transcription, translation, selection, and eventual integration into established biological functions.
At the same time, establishing de novo origin requires careful comparative work. Failure to find an older homolog is not by itself proof that a gene arose from noncoding sequence. Researchers continue to investigate how often de novo genes arise, how they acquire useful functions, and how they become integrated into cellular systems.
Consequently, de novo gene birth is genuine evidence that must be included in any discussion of new genetic information. It does not follow that every higher-level biological innovation has thereby been explained.
Question That Remains
How frequently do de novo genes acquire significant biological functions, and what evidence connects their emergence to the origin of larger integrated structures and systems?