how could life start on its own?

Question

I mean, the theory is that amino acids eventually form together to make DNA, which then evolves into more complex DNA to create life. But how could amino acids form together to make DNA since the cells which make these acids to create DNA is made from the blueprints of DNA itself? This is conflicting so did I get the theory wrong?

Also, I think that there are 20 are so different amino acids, with only a few workable combonations, so if amino acids ever did somehow randomly hook together, the chances of a DNA strand being made is slim... am I right here too or is my thinking flawed?

Thanks please leave an explanation not just a "no" or please confirm if "yes"

Answer 1

amino acids do NOT make DNA, they can join up to make any of the endless varieties of proteins. Amino acids can be formed in the absence of life (simple molecules in water hit by lightning discharges or something), so DNA did not need to come first. DNA is made up of nucleic acids, phosphate groups and sugars. If you have these ingredients and the right conditions, the base pairs will spontaneously form into chains of DNA, which if done randomly will usually be all nonsense combinations that don't do anything, but eventually some patterns that have functions useful to life will emerge.

I do not know specifics on the gap from creation of these simple building blocks to increasingly complex molecules and eventually life.

Answer 2

well the theory is that amino acids were formed first and from then on created life, yet amino acids, even if created without life, don't necessarily create life. the debate is over whether or not amino acids are capable of forming DNA because of what you said, how can amino acids create DNA without DNA?

Answer 3

It sounds as good as any. 21 acids taken 4 at a time is not all that many if you have millions of years to play around.