The theory that life evolved from lower unicellular organisms to more complex ones is a plausible premise in science. Continuing advances in biochemistry and chemistry show that organisms are chemical machines driven by their molecular makeup. Following this premise further, living cells developed from nonliving molecules, and the origin of life may not be as random as many assumed. Scientists at the University of Chicago more than 40 yr. ago showed that amino acids can form from complex molecules in primordial conditions of heating, cooling, and electrification. Other scientists went on to show that amino acids can form into simple proteins under primordial conditions.
Proteins are the core structure of living cells.
The proteins can go on to produce small, cell-like objects called microspheres. Microspheres do not have the internal structure that run living cells. They do, however, bear a resemblance to microfossils of Precambrian rocks. Microspheres also join together and electrically signal to each other when stimulated by light. Scientists struggle with the question whether or not they played a role in the development of life.