Chemical Evolution and the Origin of LifeA discussion is presented of the elements, or at least most of the elements, that are usually thought of as required and characteristic of living materials. A continuous evolutionary process is conceived, beginning with a bare earth and leading to the random formation of more or less complex molecules from simple ones, and gradually, by the processes of random variation, autocatalysis and selection, to more complex systems and the ordered array of desoxynucleic acid molecules which are the units that carry the continuity and order of present-day living systems. |
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Amherst College amino acids ammonia atmosphere atoms were combined autocatalysis BASE SUGAR billion years ago biological evolution California August 11 called chemical evolution carbon atoms carbon dioxide carry the continuity catalyst catalytic activity CH3 H-O chains characteristic of living chemical system CO₂ complex organic substances coupled reactions COzH create order cuprous ion define desoxynucleic acid molecules developed devise earth energy to create essence essential example F. H. C. Crick formic acid glycine H₂O HAEM Hutschenreuter hydrogen improve irradiated J. D. Watson Langenbeck less complex living things material Melvin Calvin Department methane nonliving system nucleic acid order of present-day ordered array organic molecule orthophosphate Oxalic acid oxidative phosphorylation oxygen atoms period pile porphyrin present-day living organisms present-day living systems random fashion random formation random variations relatively complex organic rudimentary selecting amongst spontaneously order structure succinic acid U. S. Atomic Energy Watson and F. H. C. он