So the real knowledge gap you rightly mention is between organic chemistry to biochemistry – forming proteins, RNA, DNA, etc. And having versions that do in fact also replicate themselves – i.e., evolution via natural selection at the molecular level prior to evolution at the cellular level. Thankyou for the reminder as to just how wide that knowledge gap really is.

Of special difficulty is the question how an abstract code could have developed in the earliest life, in which a sequence of bases came to be associated with a particular amino acid, thus allowing the construction of a protein made up of a particular sequence of amino acids. All life on Earth, from bacteria to Sequoias to human beings, uses essentially the same abstract 3-letter code, suggesting that this innovation happened exactly once, billions of years ago. No one yet has proposed a theory for how these first steps occurred. That’s not to say it’s impossible, but it’s a yawning gap in our theory to date.

https://media.notthebee.com/articles/622bad4257b83622bad4257b84.jpg

Though, come to think of it, in Texas that could just as easily be a Real Mom.

An atheist scientist came to God and said, “We’ve figured out how to make a man without you.” God said, “OK, let me see you do it.” So the atheist bent down to the ground and scooped up a handful. But God stopped him and said, “No, no, no! Get your own dirt!”

http://www.charlesspecht.com/a-funny-christian-joke-or-two/

“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, you’ve been a wonderful audience. I’ll be here all week. Try the veal. And don’t forget to tip your servers”

https://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/ill_be_here_all_week_stand_up_comedian_joke

There are a number of YouTube videos on the the RNA world issue and other aspects of early life theories/hypotheses that do a great job helping to visualize what is thought to be going on. The ones showing the generation of bio-energy via ATP or other chemical cascades across a cell barrier are really fascinating.

I gather the real not-yet-solved issue (aka “gap”) is the detailed understanding of the transition from organic molecules to biomolecules, even if it occurs inside a spherical vesicle made of hydrophile/phobic hydrocarbon molecules to increase concentration of the active participating molecules. Still, not a subject that can be mastered without years of study, so what we learn from layman oriented books (such as the good ones from Nick Lane and other authors) provide only a top level summary understanding. Not enough to overcome the questions from a determined skeptic.

(I’m referring to slipshod baking – elliptically.)

Far too many years, on job related driving in LA stop and go traffic, convinced me that an automatic transmission can be a blessing.

What a fun activity. I’m sure your kids will enjoy that!