Final answer:
Theories of the origin of life on Earth must explain phenomena such as prebiotic synthesis, catalysis, the source of free energy, metabolism, information storage, and cell membrane formation. These theories range from abiogenesis to panspermia, with ongoing experiments providing supporting evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
All theories of the origin of life on Earth must explain several key phenomena. These include the prebiotic synthesis of organic molecules and polymers, the origins of catalysis and replicative biochemistry, the sources of free energy to sustain prebiotic biochemistry, and the beginnings of metabolism sufficient for life. Additionally, they must account for the origins of molecular information storage and retrieval, as well as the enclosure of life's chemistry by a semipermeable membrane.
Theorists have proposed various hypotheses, including the widely discussed abiogenesis, where life is believed to have originated from inanimate matter. Some hypotheses conjecture that life originated through panspermia, the hypothesis that life existed elsewhere in the universe and was brought to Earth via celestial objects like meteoroids or asteroids.
Researchers continue to test these hypotheses through scientific experiments and observation, striving to understand the complex and fascinating origins of life on our planet.