Question

Miller performed an experiment to prove chemical evolution of life. Which molecule was not present in Miller's experiment?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Water
• C. Methane
• D. Ammonia

Answer 1

The correct option is A Oxygen

Miller performed an experiment to prove chemical evolution of life. Miller and Urey generated complex organic molecules from simpler inorganic molecules through chemical reactions under controlled conditions which occurred in the primitive earth. The chemicals used during the experiment includes water, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen. Oxygen was not used because it was not present on the primitive earth. One flask contained water and the dissolved molecules. This flask was heated, and the water vapour and gases released into the tubing. They could freely move into the second flask, which was sparked by electrodes to simulate lightning strikes. The gases were then condensed into a liquid that was carried back to the original flask. The amino acids changed into proteins, the basic purines changes to the nucleic acid.

So, the correct answer is option A.