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

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The discussion centers on the fundamental question of how atoms, as the building blocks of matter, can combine to create complex living organisms. Participants draw parallels between the arrangement of atoms and the way simple components, like binary code or bricks, can form intricate systems. The key takeaway is that the complexity of life arises not from the atoms themselves but from the specific arrangements and interactions of these atoms. This understanding highlights the importance of structure and organization in the formation of life and other complex systems.

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  • Basic understanding of atomic structure and chemistry
  • Familiarity with concepts of complexity in systems theory
  • Knowledge of programming fundamentals, specifically binary code
  • Conceptual grasp of construction and architecture principles
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  • Research atomic bonding and molecular biology
  • Explore systems theory and its application to biological complexity
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  • Investigate the role of emergent properties in complex systems
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Students of chemistry, biology enthusiasts, educators in science, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of how simple elements can lead to complex life forms.

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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