One of the accepted scientific theories describing the origin of life on Earth is known as chemical evolution. According to this theory, which of the following events would need to occur first for life to evolve?

A. onset of photosynthesis

B. origin of genetic material

C. Synthesis of organic molecules

D. formation of the plasma membrane

C. Synthesis of organic molecules

Explanation:

According to chemical evolution theory, life originated from inorganic molecules by the mode of chemical evolution. In primitive conditions of earth, only inorganic molecules were present. These molecules reacted under lightning, UV radiation and other environmental conditions to give rise to complex organic molecules like amino acids, sugars, lipids etc. They formed the basis for proteins, RNA and other molecules which ultimately led to the formation of cellular structures.

C. Synthesis of organic molecules

Explanation:

Chemical evolution involves the chemical changes that occurred on primitive earth billions of years ago. The chemical as well as physical conditions were responsible for the primitive earth that explained the origin of life on the planet earth. The Russian scientist Operin considered ammonia, hydrogen, water vapor and methane were the components of the early atmosphere of earth. He assumed that the ultraviolet rays from the sun transformed these simple molecules into organic molecules. The development of organic molecules. This hypothesis was experimentally proved by Miller and Urey experiment. The organic chemical evolution was the basis of development of life on earth.