Question

Explain the term chemogeny.

Answer 1

Hint: This term is used to describe the chemical evolution of the earth. Formation of the complex organic and inorganic compounds on the bases of chemical reactions. After the formation of organic and inorganic compounds, the formation of nucleic acids and proteins.

Complete answer:
Chemogeny is a theory of chemical evolution that depends on the chemical reactions and formation of substances on the bases of chemical reactions. This theory says that “Life occurs as a result of evolution of inorganic matter”.
In the 1920's Scientists Oparin and Haldane, developed this hypothesis of the chemical origin of life from the primitive atmosphere of the earth having matter like methane, ammonia and water. There were very low concentrations of oxygen due to the presence of high temperatures like 5000-60000C. So, these conditions were not suitable for the free existence of organic compounds, so reactions started taking place.
Under conditions like high sunlight and heat, inorganic matter gets converted to inorganic compounds. And this may result in the storage of organic compounds, which gets more and more concentrated with the passage of millions of years.
These compounds interact with each other and result in “life”.
So, chemogeny is the process of chemical evolution of earth and formation of life from pre-existing matter with the help of chemical reactions.

Note: Organic matter is very essential for life to exist and proper concentration of oxygen also required for the existence of life. Thus, chemogeny helps in formation of conditions required for the existence of life. Both scientists suggested that earlier atmosphere was reducing thus, under proper environmental conditions, organic matter synthesis took place.