How do atoms create life and everything else in the universe?

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The discussion centers on the perplexity of how simple atoms, as the fundamental building blocks of matter, can combine to form complex, living organisms. The original poster expresses confusion about the transition from basic atomic structures to intricate life forms. Responses highlight that, similar to how binary code can create diverse digital applications, the arrangement of atoms in various combinations leads to the complexity of life. The analogy of building structures with bricks is used to illustrate that the complexity arises not from the atoms themselves, but from their specific configurations. The conversation emphasizes the marvel of life and the intricate systems formed from basic elements, acknowledging a sense of wonder at the capabilities of these atomic combinations.
renigade666
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Hello,

I’ve looked over the other forums, and thought that this would be the best place for this.

I’ve been thinking about this for a while and it has been very confusing.

If atoms are the building block of matter, therefore everything is made up of atoms, how is it that atoms could create live, breathing, reproducing organisms?

What I’m trying to get at, (if anyone else is on the same level of thinking as me) is it just me or is it hard to imagine that these simplistic atoms, when joined together in a certain order, can create anything and everything in the universe? :bugeye:

It just might be due the lack of my chemistry education, but this is quite puzzling to me.


Anyone help me out please? (providing you understand what I'm trying to ask here)
Thank you,
Ren
 
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You seem to wonder how simple building blocks can combine to form complex systems. Consider a computer program: just 1s and 0s. Combining these differently can produce a word processor, or an audio clip, or a game, all very different results from the same 1 and 0 components. Consider bricks. Combine them differently to form either a school of a driveway. Complex systems such as living systems are what they are not because they are made up of different elements but because these elements are arranged differently.
 
To be fair... a computer program does not have 'reasoning' (I believe that's the word I am looking for) like humans do, no matter how sophisticated it is.

I look at humans and think how amazing it is to beable to live and breath these atoms, which sustains everything.
 
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