Quick question about mutations...

[cubeus19]

Does anyone know of any clear cut examples of any mutations that are not only beneficial but add genetic material to an organism? I know that many like to use antibiotic resistance as a example of a beneficial mutation but as far as what I know antibiotic resistance does not add any new genetic material to anything. But with that, does anyone know of any beneficial mutation that does? Thanks.

[jlay]

There is of new info being learned. In fact current research is calling into question some of the things that are labeled 'mutations.' That in fact, cells may be preprogrammed to 'mutate' in certain circumstances. This may call into question much of what is taught now. Much like the scientific community had decalred junk DNA to be evidence of Darwinian evolution. Leftovers. When in fact junk (non-coding) DNA plays a vital role.

Your initial question really has to do with how one defines 'new' information.
For example, some would claim that Down Syndrome is a product of new genetic information.
The question is, through mutations, will I ever get a trait no human has ever had, leading ultimately to a distinct and new life form that is obviously not human? Obviously to support the theory of evolution, new information isn't an option, but a requirement.

In the end the question has to be, can a simple lifeform through time, chance, NS, and mutation, come to have all the distinct traits of a human, horse, rabbit, etc?
We can test and observe how traits are passed along. We can test and observe natural selection. We can not test and observe mutations leading to a genetically new lifeform. A person with Down Syndrome or Sickle Cel is still 100% human.

Stephen Meyer's work on this is pretty cool.