TED: Making matter come alive | Lee Cronin

The video explores the concept of making inorganic matter come alive, discussing the potential for inorganic life to undergo Darwinian evolution. It delves into the origins of life, the experiments that mimic lifelike properties in inorganic materials, and the implications of creating life from non-carbon-based elements. The speaker proposes a general theory of evolution that could apply to both organic and inorganic matter, suggesting that life may not be as improbable as once thought. The video concludes with a discussion on the future of inorganic biology and its potential to redefine life.

What is the main distinction made between organic and inorganic matter?

• Organic matter is made of carbon, inorganic matter is not.

• Organic matter is alive, inorganic matter is not.

• Inorganic matter is more complex than organic matter.

• Inorganic matter can evolve, organic matter cannot.

What is the smallest unit of matter that can evolve independently?

• A molecule

• A single cell of bacteria

• A virus

• An atom

What is the speaker's view on the probability of life emerging?

• It is highly improbable.

• It is impossible without carbon.

• It is as probable as the emergence of stars.

• It requires divine intervention.

What experiment in the 1950s attempted to recreate the conditions for the origin of life?

• The Miller-Urey Experiment

• The Darwin Experiment

• The Pasteur Experiment

• The Watson-Crick Experiment

What is a key component needed for evolution according to the speaker?

• A complex organism

• A container for competition

• A large ecosystem

• A high temperature environment

What is the speaker's approach to creating inorganic life in the lab?

• Relying on natural selection

• Combining multiple reaction formats

• Using a single chemical reaction

• Using only carbon-based molecules

What does the speaker propose about the theory of evolution?

• It is a flawed concept.

• It is irrelevant to inorganic chemistry.

• It should include inorganic matter.

• It only applies to carbon-based life.

What does the speaker suggest about non-carbon-based life on other planets?

• It is unlikely to exist.

• It is 100% possible.

• It is only theoretical.

• It requires carbon to evolve.

What is the speaker's ultimate goal in creating inorganic life?

• To prove intelligent design

• To redefine the concept of life

• To replace organic life

• To create a new form of energy

What does the speaker believe about the role of carbon in life?

• Carbon is irrelevant to evolution.

• Carbon is essential for all life.

• Carbon is the only element that can evolve.

• Life can exist without carbon.