From non-random molecular structure to life and mind.
The evolutionary hierarchy molecular structure-->macromolecular structure-->protobiological structure-->biological structure-->biological functions has been traced by experiments.  The sequence always moves through protein.  Extension of the experiments traces the formation of nucleic acids instructed by proteins.  The proteins themselves were, in this picture, instructed by the self-sequencing of precursor amino acids.  While the sequence indicated explains the thread of the emergence of life, protein in cellular membrane also provides the only known material basis for the emergence of mind in the  context of emergence of life.
Fox
S W
SW
Institute for Molecular and Cellular Evolution, University of Miami, FL 33177, USA.
D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D002477:Cells / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008967:Molecular Biology; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D000069497:Origin of Life; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D009696:Nucleic Acids; D011506:Proteins