In the famous Miller-Urey experiment (1953) simulating primitive Earth conditions, which mixture of gases was subjected to electric discharge?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water vapor
- Step 1: Oparin and Haldane hypothesized that the primitive atmosphere was reducing and devoid of free molecular oxygen ().
- Step 2: Stanley Miller designed a closed spark-discharge apparatus containing methane (), ammonia (), hydrogen gas (), and boiling water vapor () at .
- Step 3: Electric sparks simulating lightning induced chemical condensation, producing simple organic compounds including amino acids (glycine, alanine, and aspartic acid).
Answer
Methane (), ammonia (), hydrogen (), and water vapor ().
Why not the others: Oxygen was strictly absent in the prebiotic reducing atmosphere; Free would have oxidized organic intermediates; was not used in Miller's primary experiment.
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