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Oparin/Haldane Hypothesis

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Oparin/Haldane Hypothesis proposes that life on Earth originated from simpler organic compounds in the early atmosphere, which underwent chemical reactions to form complex molecules and eventually led to the development of living organisms. It suggests that the conditions present on early Earth, such as a reducing atmosphere and energy sources like lightning or UV radiation, could have facilitated the formation of organic molecules necessary for life.

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