37. Describe the Oparin-Haldane theory of the origin of life.

Oparin and Haldane stated that life originated in water bodies on the primitive earth through a series of chemical reactions. According to them.

1. Spontaneous generation of life under present conditions is not possible but could have occurred in the primitive atmosphere of earth.

2. Earth’s initial atmosphere was of reducing type.

3. High temperature, lightning and solar radiation provided energy required for chemical reactions.

4. First living beings arose from simple inorganic and organic compounds as a result of progressive series of chemical reactions.