11-03-2013, 02:37 AM
James, the law of unintended consequences is everywhere, including the anti-GMO crusade. Not exactly a pointed criticism. Complex systems simply do not have a "singular, predictable outcome." As a trained scientist you should know that outcome of complex system interactions are stochastic, that is, the outcomes can be analyzed statistically but not predicted in detail, like the weather. This is true for any type of genetic manipulation, including pollination, so also not a very pointed criticism.
And, yes, one gene, one enzyme is an outdated concept, since at least the 1950's. Hardly a basis for overturning today's vastly more sophisticated understanding of genetics. And..."Metabolic processes that were not intended occur." Ouch! Again, as a trained scientist you should know that any invocation of teleology in natural processes takes you out of the scientific realm into, well, other realms. Dr. Miyasaka's article is excellent and sticks to the science in great detail.
And, yes, one gene, one enzyme is an outdated concept, since at least the 1950's. Hardly a basis for overturning today's vastly more sophisticated understanding of genetics. And..."Metabolic processes that were not intended occur." Ouch! Again, as a trained scientist you should know that any invocation of teleology in natural processes takes you out of the scientific realm into, well, other realms. Dr. Miyasaka's article is excellent and sticks to the science in great detail.