[1] Observation of these adaptations refutes pseudoscientific[2] claims that no new information can be added to a genome and that proteins are too complex to evolve through a process of mutation and natural selection.
Apologists have produced reactionary literature attempting to deny that evolution occurs, in turn generating input from the scientific community.
[4] Proponents of creationism, such as Answers in Genesis and Creation Ministries International, have cited horticulturalist and apologist Don Batten, pointing out that scientific research showed that the genes involved were on a plasmid, and claiming that the phenomenon is evidence that plasmids in bacteria are a designed feature, intended to allow bacteria to adapt easily to new food sources or cope with toxic chemicals.
Batten wrote: It seems clear that plasmids are designed features of bacteria that enable adaptation to new food sources or the degradation of toxins.
[4] A posting at TalkOrigins Archive by Ian Musgrave asserted that bacteria carry many genes in plasmids, particularly those involved in xenobiotic handling or metabolic functions.