Is there intelligence hidden within DNA?

[rov1200]

DNA can produce proteins that give it form and shape but what gives it the ability to seek out a target when formed. Is there really a sixth sense?

[Old_Geezer]

Not sure I understand your question.

DNA is a blueprint for creating life, so doesn't hold intelligence as such. Intelilgence can be found in the created lifeform though.

Target ? Sixth sense ?

[vascop]

Yes, you seem totally confused to me Rov!

[rov1200]

In the most basic of forms just take semen searching for and impregnating the egg
Or take the virus finding and latching onto the host cell

[jake-the-peg]

Ah OK

It's not DNA that does that the DNA is in the nucleus of the sperm cell. That is much much more complex than just that.

I think the question is how do sperm cells home in on the egg

I'm not a biologist - Id be interested to hear the answer - I suspect they follow a chemical trail

[Old_Geezer]

apparently. Media URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2891349.stm
Description: Heat/Smell

[Old_Geezer]

Well that didn't go quite as anticipated :-(
It asked for an optional URL and description and failed miserably to put them together.

[BBBE99]

I believe certain levels of smartness and capabilties of interperitation may be able to be inherited through certain genes.

Could be a genetic genius...

How interesting...

[rov1200]

Got in in one Jake. Its what causes it to home in on its target. Just take the foot and mouth virus. In the last major epidemic the virus had to sometimes travel miles to get to its target. Its like a soldier knowing where the enemy is so that he can attack. It cannot be due to randomness alone.

[Old_Geezer]

Viruses do not target anyone specifically, it takes whatever it finds as compatible nearby. There is no intelligence governing it.

[bigfoot3000]

Maybe to be the "Hunter" or the "Hunted" stems from evolutionary instinct? Instinct is the inherent disposition of a living organism toward a particular action. Instincts are generally inherited patterns of responses or reactions to certain kinds of stimuli. In humans they are most easily observed in behaviors such as emotions, sexual drive, and other bodily functions, as these are largely biologically determined. Instinct provides a response to external stimuli, which moves an organism to action, unless overriden by intelligence, which is creative and hence far more versatile. Since instincts take generations to adapt, an intermediate position, or basis for action, is served by memory which provides individually stored successful reactions built upon experience. The particular actions performed may be influenced by learning, environment and natural principles. Generally, the term instinct is not used to describe an existing condition or established state.

Examples can more frequently be observed in the behavior of animals (most in the less intelligent species), which perform various activities (sometimes complex) that are not based upon prior experience, such as reproduction, and feeding among insects. Other examples include animal fighting, animal courtship behavior, and internal escape functions.

It may be worth noting that no being is bound absolutely by instinct. Though instinct is what seems to come naturally or perhaps with heredity, general conditioning and environment surrounding a living being play a major role.

Instinct is pre-intellectual, while intuition is trans-intellectual.

Not sure whether this answers all of your question but read this. http://www.thenakedsc...index.php?topic=16535

[rov1200]

A good link bigfoot, I wonder if Vascop has learnt anything yet? I see we are back into the realms of Intelligent Design.

[mibn2cweus]

ID (like god) explains nothing while posing as an explanation for that which remains, at least for some, to be explained. ID teaches us nothing about the way reality works. But at every turn, as we acquire more knowledge of the facts and our understanding of how a particular facet of reality works increases, ID (and god) are invariably found to mysteriously vanish from the picture, only to be reinstated at the next step of acquiring more knowledge by the same weary age old mischievous conjurers of devious tricks.

[Old_Geezer]

When I first came across the term Intelligent Design I naturally assumed it was a theory about aliens coming here and having a hand in the planet's species development. Found it hard to believe it when I discovered it wasn't that, but the same existing creationist beliefs repackaged. I don't mind folk believing in things that I don't, but they should argue their case honestly rather than try to market it repackaged under a different brand name.

[rov1200]

I think that article said why it supports ID. What we should be asking is WHY. Evolution does not answer the question.

[vascop]

Everything in the article is explained by evolution and natural selection. Intelligent design is an unnecessary diversion.