EDERLITA F.
SARTILLO
The theory of Biogenesis is based on the idea
that life can only come from life, and it refers to
any process by which a lifeform can give rise to
another lifeform. It is an important theory of
biology and molecular genetics, which
postulates the production of new living
organisms from preexisting life
The issue of
biogenesis
The issue of biogenesis encompasses the origin of
life, the contrast with abiogenesis, evolutionary
processes, the molecular basis of life, the search for
extraterrestrial life, and the ethical and philosophical
implications related to the nature of life. It is a
complex and fascinating field of scientific inquiry that
continues to inspire research and exploration.
The controversy surrounding
biogenesis
The controversy surrounding biogenesis stems from differing viewpoints on
the origin of life, debates over abiogenesis versus biogenesis, the complexity
and probability of life's emergence, the interpretation of scientific evidence,
philosophical and religious perspectives, and the broader societal implications
of understanding life's origin.
supported by following
experiments
i) Redi’s Experiments:
Francisco Redi(1668), an Italian physician, placed a piece of boiled meat in each of three separate
jars.
One jar was covered with parchment paper, the other was covered with muslin cloth, and one was
left open.
He found that only in an opened jar maggots grew.
Only in the opened jar the flies joined and laid eggs that had grown into maggots.
Redi concluded, on the basis of the aforementioned experiment, that life can only derive from pre-
existing life, not from non-living substances.
The controversy surrounding
biogenesis
ii) Spallanzani’s experiments:
In eight bottles, Lazaaro Spallanzani (Italy) put hay infusion and then it was boiled to make
them sterile.
He kept four bottles airtight and four of them loosley corked.
After few days, dense growth of micro-organisms was found in loosely corked bottles
whereas no organisms were found to develop in airtight bottles.
It was concluded that air consisted of micro-organism and was the source of contamination.
why biogenesis is considered true based on scientific
evidence
iii) Pasteur’s Experiments:
In 1864, an experiment was performed by French biochemist Louis Pasteur
in favor of ideal of biogenesis.
He used a flask whose neck was bent in form of ‘S’ via heat and filled
nearly half of the flask with nutrient solution.
Then it was boiled for several hours to kill all the micro-organisms.
He sealed the tube and left the apparatus undisturbed for various days.
No sign of life was seen in flask.
However, when the neck of the flask was broken, micro-organisms
appeared.
Hence, Louis Pasteur concluded that the life can arise only from pre-existing
life.
why biogenesis is considered true based on scientific
evidence
Biogenesis is the scientific principle that states that life arises from pre-
existing living organisms.
Reason:
Observations and Experimental Reproducibility:
supported by numerous observations and experiments that consistently
demonstrate that life originates from other living organisms. For example, the
reproduction of organisms through sexual or asexual means showcases the
continuity of life from one generation to the next. This process has been
observed and replicated countless times in various species, providing strong
evidence for biogenesis.
Additionally, experiments conducted by scientists such as Louis
Pasteur in the 19th century helped refute the idea of spontaneous
generation, which proposed that life could arise spontaneously from non-living
matter. Pasteur's experiments, using swan-necked flasks to prevent microbial
contamination, consistently showed that microorganisms only appeared in the
flasks when they were exposed to a source of pre-existing microorganisms.
These experiments provided empirical evidence in support of biogenesis and
helped discredit the notion of spontaneous generation.
Overall, the wealth of observational and experimental evidence, including the
consistent reproduction of organisms and the refutation of spontaneous
generation, supports the principle of biogenesis as a reliable scientific
validity of biogenesis as a scientific
principle
Biogenesis is supported by universal observations, experimental
reproducibility, the absence of evidence for spontaneous generation,
alignment with biological mechanisms, and its applicability to the
possibility of extraterrestrial life. These factors collectively demonstrate
the validity of biogenesis as a scientifically sound principle for the origin
and perpetuation of life.
key points that demonstrate the validity of biogenesis as a scientific
principle:
• Universal Observation: life on Earth arise from pre-existing living
organisms. This observation holds true across a wide range of
organisms, from microorganisms to plants, animals, and humans. The
continuity of life through reproduction and the passing on of genetic
material from one generation to the next further reinforces the concept
of biogenesis.
• Experimental Reproduction: controlled laboratory settings. Scientists
have successfully demonstrated the generation of new life forms by
providing the necessary conditions, nutrients, and appropriate
environments for organisms to grow and develop.
• Absence of Evidence for Spontaneous Generation: The refutation
of spontaneous generation, the idea that life can arise spontaneously
from non-living matter, provides further evidence for biogenesis.
• Consistency with Biological Mechanisms: Biogenesis aligns with our current understanding of
biological mechanisms and processes. The complex molecular and cellular machinery involved in
reproduction, inheritance, and the transfer of genetic information all point to the necessity of pre-
existing living organisms as the source of new life. The intricate mechanisms of DNA replication, RNA
transcription, and protein synthesis support the concept of biogenesis as the mechanism by which life
perpetuates itself.
• Applicability to Extraterrestrial Life: The principle of biogenesis is not limited to Earth. If life were
to be discovered on other planets or moons, the expectation would be that it arose from pre-existing
living organisms rather than spontaneously generated from non-living matter. Biogenesis provides a
consistent framework for understanding the origin of life across the universe.
The evidence presented supports the principle of biogenesis, which states
that life arises from pre-existing living organisms
Biogenesis
