Question

In 1953 S. L. Miller created primitive earth conditions in the laboratory and gave experimental evidence for the origin of the first form of life from pre-existing non-living organic molecules. The primitive earth conditions created include:

• A. low temperature, volcanic storms, atmosphere rich in oxygen
• B. high temperature, volcanic storms, non-reducing atmosphere
• C. low temperature, volcanic storms, reducing atmosphere
• D. high temperature, volcanic storms, reducing atmosphere containing $C{H}_4,N{H}_3$ etc.

Answer 1

The correct option is D high temperature, volcanic storms, reducing atmosphere containing $C{H}_4,N{H}_3$ etc.

Oparin-Haldane theory:

According to Oparin and Haldane theory life originated gradually from inorganic molecules. Urey-Miller performed an experiment to prove this theory.

Primitive environmental conditions:

The early atmosphere was reducing, containing gases like $H_2,C{H}_4,N{H}_3$ , water vapour etc. unlike the present oxidizing atmosphere. High temperature and storms accompanied with volcano eruptions were frequent.

Urey-Miller’s Experiment:



Miller tried to mimic the primitive environmental conditions in his experiment by using ammonia, methane,hydrogen and water vapour in an airtight apparatus. The apparatus was heated and electric discharge was passed. Simple organic compounds were observed to be formed proving the theory of chemical evolution.

Final answer:

d. high temperature, volcanic storms, reducing atmosphere containing $C{H}_4,N{H}_3$ etc.