What was the Primordial Soup like?

In the primordial soup theory, what caused the DNA ,that is alleged to have been created, to form a protocell?

  • What specific process are thought to have taken place? Also, was this protocell considered to be alive and if so, what sustained it long enough to form the cells we know today?

  • Answer:

    you guys are getting way ahead of yourselves The Primordial Soup Theory states that Life began in a warm pond/ocean from a combination of chemicals that forms amino acids, which then make proteins. This is suppose to happen at least 3.8 billion to 3.55 billion years ago. In this theory, the basic building blocks of life came from simple molecule which formed in the atmosphere (w/o oxygen). This was then energized by lightning and the rain from the atmosphere created the "organic soup". The first organisms would have to be simple heterotrophs in order to survive by consuming other organisms for energy before means of photosynthesis. They would become autotrophs by mutation. Evidence now suggest the first organisms were autotrophs Chemist Stanley Miller and physicist Harold Urey did a famous experiment in 1950 to test this theory. They mixed gases thought to be present on primitive earth: Methane (CH4) Ammonia (NH3) Water (H2O) Hydrogen (H2) No Oxygen They then electrically sparked the mixture to signify lightning. The results were amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. It was later discovered that other energies also can excite gases and produce all 20 amino acids: Electricity Ultraviolet light Heat Shock This theory emphasize metabolism because of the cooperative group of molecules and how they gain and use energy and molecules. for information regarding protcells and further on RNA refer to wiki (ambiogenisis) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abiogenesis#Complex_biological_molecules_and_protocells @smeghead, well said

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Protexya has a good answer. But I would also add, to answer your second question, nothing. The primordial soup is recognized by the abiogenesis community to be a poor theory. A relatively homogeneous "soup," by itself, would be terrible for the formation and stability of cell membranes, an absolutely essential component for cells. But to answer your question, there are numerous theories on how stability could be improved. Abiotic membranes are a popular example: these include mica sheets, clay bubbles, and hydrothermal vents. Super low temperatures, rather than high temperatures have also been proposed.

yutgoyun

Eddie boy, you have stated nothing of factual import worth a rebuttal. 80% of your post is simple name-calling and sneering. The only "point" you actually attempted to make was this: "The mathematical probability of DNA forming and organising itself inside of a cell into a self replicating molecule which is able to create proteins, all by chance processes, is zero." Which is, of course, complete nonsense. For starters, no one has EVER claimed that it all happened by chance. Natural selection, which would apply even in a pre-biotic world, is completely and totally nonrandom. Then there's the fact that the prevalent theory is that DNA didn't develop until later, and also that the earliest proto-cells most likely didn't make proteins. Again, that all came later. Oh, and phospholipids, which are easily created abiotically, spontaneously form a double-layered membrane structure in an aqueous environment, so the emergence of a "cell" is really one of the best-understood parts of the whole process. Children aren't allowed to complain when the adults ignore their silly childish nonsense. No go away. The big people are talking.

Smeghead

in the primordial soup theory the ions and atoms formed combined together to form molecules. later the molecules combined to form larger molecules of specific function. primary thing to be cleared is that the first genetic material formed is RNA(ribozymes) which is unstable. later formed DNA with high stability. the RNA and other individual cell organelles like mitochondria etc combined to form as symbiotic organisms for survival. later formed organisms are poriferans where the individual cells combined to form an organism bur each cell have its own specific function independently

Ashok Matcha

It had RNA not DNA, they are still working on how it formed but they have gotten very close. I'm not sure if it was considered alive it probably depends on your definition of life It evolved into the cells we have today, all it needed to do was reproduce.

This Name Is A Lie

The mathematical probability of DNA forming and organising itself inside of a cell into a self replicating molecule which is able to create proteins, all by chance processes, is zero. This TRUTH demonstrates that Evolution by Natural Selection is FALSE. Many posters will give this response a thumbs down even tho they are not able to rebut the point being made. The response will then probably be hidden from view. Thus censorship helps to sustain the Dorkonions in their deluded belief system. Wont work for ever. adding; as of this addition I have 4 thumbs down . I challenge one of you silly billys to stop sucking your thumb and point to what is wrong with what I have said.

eddie boy

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