The Gap in knowledge isn't as big as you might think. Its more the "spark" or exact moment of transition that is missing. Organic molecules were actually present is the form of amino acids. A simplistic version of what may have happened is that very simple structures began binding these organic molecules, then the began competing turning into basic proteins. The times scales are enormous but its not hard to imagine how things may have progressed. But at what point do amino acids and protiens become life?
