Creation Moments

Jonathan Cotton: Meet bacteria that acts like a chameleon. Next on today's Creation Moments. And now, here's our Creation Moments host, Ian Taylor.

Ian T. Taylor: Some types of bacteria are able to go into a state of suspended animation when living conditions become too harsh. Not only do they change their form and appearance, they are amazingly able to change their DNA structure to avoid damage from harmful types of light. Like other living things, bacteria need the right temperatures and the right amount of moisture and other conditions that support life. When conditions change, the bacteria are too tiny to move to better conditions. However, they can sporulate. When living conditions become harsh, some bacteria encase themselves in a tough coating of protein and go into a state of suspended animation.

As spores, bacteria can rest in bone, dry soil for up to 60 years waiting for the rain. Ultraviolet radiation poses another danger for bacteria. Ultraviolet light damages a bacterium's DNA at a point where two thymine molecules sit next to each other. The light strikes the molecules and twists them. The result can be fatal to bacteria. So, when a bacterium begins to go into spore form, it produces a protein that slightly and harmlessly changes the shape of these two thymine molecules so that they are not affected by the ultraviolet light. The entire process by which bacteria go into spore form reflects a sophisticated knowledge of both biochemistry and physics.

Even in the lowly bacteria, our creator has made it clear that he and he alone deserves the credit for the creation in which we live.

Jonathan Cotton: To learn about our expanding worldwide creation evangelism program and all the ways you can help, visit the worldwide outreach tab at creationmoments.com or call us toll-free at 1-800-42 BIBLE.