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Syllabus

Origin of life — Syllabus

ICSE · Class 12 · Biology

What Origin of life covers in ICSE Class 12 Biology: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the ICSE Class 12 Biology syllabus.

103 questions34 flashcards5 concepts

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4 Topics · ICSE Class 12 Biology · 2026-27

Topics in Origin of life

1

1. Universe, Earth, and the setting for life

  • Cosmos is believed to have originated 10-20 billion years ago.
  • The Big Bang Theory explains the origin of the universe.
  • There are approximately 100,000 million galaxies.
2

2. Early ideas about origin of life

  • Theory of Special Creation says life originated due to a supernatural event.
  • This view is based on faith and is outside the framework of scientific investigation.
  • According to the first chapter of Genesis in the Bible, the world was created within six natural days and human beings were created on the sixth day.
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3. Experimental proof of biogenesis

  • Biogenesis means life comes only from pre-existing life.
  • Francesco Redi used three jars in 1668: uncovered, muslin-covered, and parchment-covered.
  • After a few days, maggots appeared only in the first jar and not in the other two.
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4. Modern biochemical origin of life: Oparin-Haldane theory

  • The first scientific account of the origin of life was given by Aleksander I. Oparin in 1924 and later by J.B.S. Haldane in 1929.
  • The theory is also called the modern theory or abiogenic theory.
  • Oparin published his views in the book The Origin of Life in 1936.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Origin of life on Earth as a gradual biochemical and evolutionary process

Universe and solar systemTheory of special creationTheory of spontaneous generationTheory of biogenesisOparin-Haldane theoryPrimitive Earth conditionsAbiotic synthesis of organic compoundsMiller-Urey experiment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Origin of life for ICSE Class 12 Biology?
Key topics in Origin of life include Universe, Earth, and the setting for life, Early ideas about origin of life, Experimental proof of biogenesis, Modern biochemical origin of life: Oparin-Haldane theory. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the ICSE Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise Origin of life for the ICSE Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 103 practice questions on Origin of life. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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