Q: One supposed proof of evolution is that bacteria seem to be able to develop a resistance to antibiotics. Is this really evolution in action?

A: Actually, the fact that certain bacteria can develop a resistance to antibiotics is the opposite of evolution.

Let’s consider an example: the popular antibiotic amoxycillin. In an experiment, some bacteria appeared to “develop” a resistance to this medicine by producing an enzyme that breaks down the drug.

But, in this example, it was known that this resistance to the antibiotic was already in the bacterial population right from the beginning of the experiment. In other words, some bacteria already had the information in their genes to be resistant. The bacteria had inherited information; so the resistance has nothing to do with evolution.

What about those experiments where some bacteria developed a resistance to substances over time due to mutations in their genes? Such mutations, which are mistakes in the genes, result from a loss of information, such as the loss of a control gene which regulates the pumping of the substance into the cell. Again, this is the opposite of evolution, which requires an increase in information if it were to occur.

What we see in God’s world agrees with what we read in God’s Word.

Read more on this intriguing topic at Superbugs not super after all.

This week’s After Eden cartoon:

January 6–7
Sun Valley, California
Ken Ham and Dr. Jason Lisle
 
January 7
Santa Ana, California
Ken Ham
 
January 8
Lancaster, California
Ken Ham
 
January 8
Walton, Kentucky
Carl Kerby
 
January 8
Cincinnati, Ohio
Mark Looy
 
January 15
Charlestown, Indiana
Dr. Jason Lisle

January 15
Dry Ridge, Kentucky
Bodie Hodge
 
January 15–16
Cincinnati, Ohio
Carl Kerby
 
January 16–17
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dr. Terry Mortenson
 
January 20–22
Wayne, New Jersey
Buddy Davis, Dr. David Menton and Ken Ham
 
January 20–22
Hutchinson, Kansas
Carl Kerby
 
January 22–23
Napa, California
Mike Riddle