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BSCS Biology: A Molecular Approach | 9th Edition | ISBN: 9780078664274 | Authors: McGraw-hill education
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From Primordial Soup to First Cells: Unraveling Life's Mysterious Orig

Chapter 17, Problem 8

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QUESTION:

Describe the steps in the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis for the origin of life.

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QUESTION:

Describe the steps in the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis for the origin of life.

ANSWER:

Step 1 of 2

The Oparin-Haldane hypothesis, also known as the Primordial Soup Theory, proposes a possible explanation for the origin of life on Earth. It suggests that life originated from simple organic molecules formed in Earth's early atmosphere and oceans. Here are the steps involved in this hypothesis:

  • Primordial Earth: According to the hypothesis, around 4.6 billion years ago, Earth had a reducing atmosphere, which means it lacked oxygen and contained gases like methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), water vapor (H2O), and hydrogen (H2). There were also volcanic activities releasing gasses and energy.
  • Abiotic Synthesis: In this step, the reducing atmosphere and the energy from sources like lightning, ultraviolet radiation, and volcanic heat provided the necessary conditions for synthesizing simple organic molecules. These molecules include amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, nucleotides, lipids, and other organic compounds.
  • Accumulation of Organic Molecules: The organic molecules formed in the atmosphere and oceans then accumulate in the oceans or other bodies of water on Earth's surface. This concentration of organic molecules is often called the "primordial soup."
  • Polymerization: The organic molecules in the primordial soup underwent further chemical reactions, such as condensation reactions, forming more complex molecules. These complex molecules included proteins, nucleic acids (such as RNA), and polysaccharides.
  • Formation of Protobionts: Within the primordial soup, aggregates of organic molecules called protobionts formed. Protobionts were early, non-living structures with some living cell properties. They could have had lipid membranes that enclosed the internal chemistry and protected it from the external environment.
  • Development of Self-Replicating Molecules: Within protobionts, the formation of self-replicating molecules, such as RNA, is hypothesized. These self-replicating molecules could have provided a mechanism for inheritance and allowed for the accumulation of genetic information.
  • The emergence of Cellular Life: Over time, protobionts with more effective self-replicating mechanisms and cellular organization could have become more prevalent through natural selection. This eventually led to the emergence of the first true cells, marking the transition from non-living to living systems.

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    From Primordial Soup to First Cells: Unraveling Life's Mysterious Orig
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    Discover the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis detailing Earth's primordial conditions and the potential birth of life. Learn about the abiotic synthesis of organic molecules, the rise of protobionts, and the evolution to the first true cells.

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