Biogenesis

Biogenesis is the principle that living organisms are produced only from other living organisms. This concept is fundamental to the field of biology, and it contrasts with the older belief in spontaneous generation, which posited that life could arise spontaneously from non-living matter.

History

The term "biogenesis" was first used by Henry Charlton Bastian to mean "life-origination or evolution from life". The principle of biogenesis was first formulated by Rudolf Virchow in 1858, who stated "Omnis cellula e cellula" - every cell arises from a cell. This was in opposition to the concept of spontaneous generation, which was widely accepted at the time.

Modern Understanding

In modern biology, biogenesis is understood to mean that life always comes from pre-existing life. The principle of biogenesis is central to the modern synthesis of evolutionary theory, which combines Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection with Gregor Mendel's theory of genetics.

Biogenesis and Abiogenesis

While biogenesis explains the reproduction of life, it does not explain the origin of life. The study of the origin of life from non-living matter is known as abiogenesis. While biogenesis and abiogenesis are often confused, they are distinct concepts. Biogenesis refers to the reproduction of life, while abiogenesis refers to the origin of life.

See Also

• Cell theory
• Origin of life
• Evolution
• Spontaneous generation