The Marvel of Sunflowers: Heliotropism and Divine Design

Introduction

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are not just captivating with their vibrant blooms; they also showcase a remarkable biomechanism known as heliotropism. Dr. Jim Johnson from the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) highlights the divine design behind sunflowers, explaining how their physiology is engineered to continuously track the sun, maximizing the benefits of sunlight for photosynthesis.

As you read through this article, I implore you to meditate on Psalm 19:1-4, which states: “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.”

Understanding Heliotropism

Heliotropism, the ability of plants to move in response to sunlight, is a fascinating phenomenon observed in sunflowers. Young blossoms orient themselves towards the east in the morning, following the sun’s trajectory throughout the day. This behavior persists even on cloudy days until the stem stiffens to support the weight of growing seeds. Mature sunflowers facing east attract more pollinators, demonstrating the efficiency of heliotropism in optimizing sunlight exposure.

Heliotropism vs. Phototropism

Initially assumed to be a form of phototropism, researchers at the University of California, Davis, discovered that heliotropism is a distinct and more complex mechanism. While phototropism responds to light at the blue end of the spectrum through the molecule phototropin, heliotropism involves the activation of a multitude of genes, suggesting possible genetic rewiring.

Genetic Complexity

A study at UC Davis compared gene expression in sunflowers grown indoors and outdoors. Surprisingly, indoor sunflowers exhibited a gene activation pattern associated with phototropin, while outdoor sunflowers, displaying heliotropic movement, showed a different pattern.

The specific genes responsible for heliotropism remain unidentified, challenging the assumed simplicity of this mechanism.

The Unexpected “Rewiring”

Stacey Harmer, a professor of plant biology at UC Davis, proposes that sunflowers undergo a type of genetic “rewiring” when exposed to outdoor conditions. This extensive genetic renovation contradicts conventional evolutionary concepts, emphasizing purpose, plan, and special creation in the intricate design of sunflowers.

God’s intelligent design and marvelous plan reminds me once again of Scripture. Psalm 104:14-15 proclaims: “You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.”

During August: A Month of Sunflower Splendor

When the month of August unfolds, sunflowers take center stage with their large, yellow blossoms. Not only do they move to track the sun, but their flower heads also exhibit a mathematical marvel following the Fibonacci sequence. The sunflower’s generosity extends to its seed production, arranged in a Fibonacci sequence within its flower head.

God’s intricate design of our created world inspires us to learn and understand even more about His creation. Oftentimes, skeptics will criticize me for a “god of the gaps” mentality, just saying that since it’s “apparently designed” or “irreducibly complexed” that we somehow use circular reasoning to say – It’s complicated so God did it.

But this is not the attitude taken. In fact, knowing that there is a God who wants us to learn about his creation compels me more to study because of inherent meaning. Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientists of all time even said: “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.”

Conclusion

The sunflower’s heliotropism, intricate genetic mechanisms, and mathematical precision underscore the awe-inspiring design woven into the fabric of nature. As we marvel at the beauty of sunflowers in August, let us appreciate the purposeful and productive creation, pointing to the genius of a Creator.

Citation

1. Johnson, J. Sunflower Heliotropism: August Sunlight for Making Tons of Seeds. Creation Science Update. Posted on ICR.org August 31, 2020, accessed November 8, 2023, quoting Gaskell, K. Sunflowers Smarts. Bay Journal. Posted on Bayjournal.com July 23, 2020.
2. Fell, A. How Sunflowers See the Sun. University of California, Davis. Posted on biology.ucdavis.edu October 31, 2023, accessed November 10, 2023.
3. Alberts, B. et al. 2022. Molecular Biology of the Cell, 7th ed. New York, NY: W.W. Norton and Company, 945.
4. Wilson, F. 2002. Shapes, Numbers, Patterns, and the Divine Proportion in God’s Creation. Acts & Facts. 31(12). See also “Golden Ratio” That’s a Fact (video).