Creation vs. Evolution II

The Origin of Life on Earth

by Jeremy E., Creation vs. Evolution II Team Member

One scenario of the origin of life: in the primordial seas, meteorites fell, bringing organic molecules with them. Volcanoes and thermal vents belched simple molecules like methane. In this soup of carbon compounds, nucleic acids developed as lightning or UV radiation welded simple molecules into complex ones. They bunched into RNA (ribonucleic acid) molecules. This happened many times, and eventually, one developed that could replicate itself.

The first cell developed when a capsule formed of meteorite compounds or lipids trapped an RNA molecule inside. This shell protected the molecule inside from various hazards. Inside the protective shell, more advanced processes became possible, such as protein assembly.

These were the first simple bacteria. Bacteria promptly took up various niches. Some used hydrogen sulfide as an energy source, some used sunlight for energy, and some ate other bacteria. The photosynthesizers produced free oxygen and drove the others away from this toxic gas. Some, however, adapted and used oxygen to turbocharge themselves, producing much more energy than before.

Some bacteria absorbed others and so eukaryotes (cells with a nucleus) originated. Some photosynthesizers were engulfed and became chloroplasts. Some turbocharged bacteria became mitochrondria. And some cells grouped together into multicellular creatures.

Descendants of these creatures would later construct experiments like Stanley Miller's and come up with amino acids, nucleic acids, and sugars in their test tubes. Others would look at meteorite compounds and find molecules that their ancestors may have used. Yet others, called "creationists", would insist that all this never happened.

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