Overview
Abiogenesis and biogenesis are two contrasting theories about the origin of life. Abiogenesis posits that life can arise from non-living matter, while biogenesis asserts that life comes only from existing living organisms. Historical experiments, such as those by Pasteur and Miller-Urey, have provid...
Key Terms
Example: Abiogenesis suggests that simple organic compounds could lead to the first living organisms.
Example: Biogenesis is supported by the observation that cells come from other cells.
Example: Cell theory explains that all life forms, from bacteria to humans, are made of cells.
Example: Spontaneous generation was disproven by Pasteur's experiments.
Example: The Miller-Urey experiment produced amino acids, supporting the idea of life's origins from simple compounds.
Example: Extremophiles provide insights into the potential for life on other planets.