Question

Miller synthesised simple amino-acid from

• A. Methane, ammonia, oxygen, nitrogen
• B. Hydrogen, methane, ammonia, water
• C. Ammonia, methane, carbon-dioxide, oxygen
• D. Hydrogen, oxygen, water, nitrogen

Answer 1

The correct option is B Hydrogen, methane, ammonia, water

Miller took molecules, which were believed to represent the major components of the early Earth's atmosphere and put them into a closed system. The gases they used were methane (CH${}_4$), ammonia (NH${}_3$), hydrogen (H${}_2$) and water (H${}_2$O). Next, he ran a continuous electric current through the system, to simulate lightning storms believed to be common on the early earth. Analysis of the experiment was done by chromatography. At the end of one week, Miller observed that as much as 10-15% of the carbon was now in the form of organic compounds. Two percent of the carbon had formed some of the amino acids, which are used to make proteins. Thus, option B is correct.