Darwin knew that his theory of gradual evolution by natural selection faced a big challenge when he stated the quote on page 3. The irreducibly complex cell is a major stumbling block to belief in Darwin s theory. In the first place, evolution cannot explain the leap from inanimate to animate matter. Then comes the problem of the first complex cell, which must arise in one fell swoop as an integrated unit. Another one of the major problems in the theory of evolution, is that of mutations.
Most evolutionists say that various changes inside the nucleus of the cell play their part.
The biggest theory among these accidental changes are known as mutations. It is not just any kind of mutation that evolution requires. It must be a slow accumulation of favorable mutations. The chapter also brings out how some mutations can be brought upon by radiation and chemicals. Many may argue that this is rare, but the reproduction of genetic material in the cell is very consistent.