Helix, EVERY time evolution has been tested beyond simple variation it has failed! That is what your instructors are refusing to acquaint you with!
In addition, there is tons of evidence that a proto-cell could NOT have come together by itself. Essentially, the basic cell is irreducibly complex. For instance, the complex membrane with its double layer and protein 'doors' is necessary to keep the insides safe and able to function.
The DNA is essential for replication.
The endoplasmic reticulum is essential for the creation of metabolism pathways.
Here is some information from a basic Cell page:
Prokaryotic cells
The cytoplasm of prokaryotes (the liquid which makes up most of the cell volume) is diffuse and granular due to ribosomes (protein factories) floating in the cell.
The plasma membrane (a phospholipid bilayer) separates the interior of the cell from its environment and serves as a filter and communications beacon.
Most prokaryotes have a cell wall (some exceptions are Mycoplasma (a bacterium) and Thermoplasma (an archaeon)). It consists of peptidoglycan in bacteria, and acts as an additional barrier against exterior forces. It also prevents the cell from "exploding" from osmotic pressure against a hypotonic environment.
A prokaryotic chromosome is usually a circular molecule (an exception is that of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease). Even without a real nucleus, the DNA is somehow condensed in a nucleoid. Prokaryotes can carry extrachromosomal DNA elements called plasmids, which are usually circular. Plasmids can carry additional functions, such as antibiotic resistance.
Some prokaryotes have flagella which enable them to move actively instead of passively drifting.
Eukaryotic cells
Eukaryotic cells are highly organized and composed of structurs known as organelles that perform specific functions.
The cytoplasm of eukaryotes does not appear as granular as that of prokaryotes, since an important part of the ribosomes are bound to the endoplasmic reticulum.
The plasma membrane resembles that of prokaryotes in function, with minor differences in the setup. Cell walls may or may not be present.
The eukaryotic DNA is organized in one or more linear molecules, called chromosomes, which are highly condensed (e.g. folded around histones). All chromosomal DNA is stored in the cell nucleus, separated from the cytoplasm by a membrane. Some eukaryotic organelles can contain some DNA.
Eukaryotes can become mobile using cilia or flagella. The flagella are more complex than those of prokaryotes.
The prokaryotes are the most 'simple.' Some of them still have flagella, which are, literally, motors:
http://textbookofbacteriology.net/structure.html --- this is an excellent page about bacteria -- very simple cells. Please look at the diagrams, the photographs, and brave your way through the text. It is not something which is very simple.
And as far back as we go, or as deep down, in the geologic record, the bacteria remain bacteria. There is not only no evidence of them evolving from something, there is no evidence of them evolving INTO anything, either.
Evolution of bacteria to bear variety is based upon pure imagination and, to those of us who are interested in the data itself, that just doesn't hold up.
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