Question

State the theory of biogenesis. How does Miller's experiment support this theory?

Answer 1

The theory of biogenesis was proposed by Louis Pasteur. It states that all life forms originated from pre-existing life. The living cells were formed from non-living organic molecules such as RNA and proteins.

In 1953, Urey and Miller conducted an experiment to prove this theory. In their experiment, the conditions of primitive earth were created in the laboratory. The electric discharge was stimulated into a closed flask containing methane, hydrogen and ammonia at 8000°C. They observed the formation of amino acids and ultimately proteins. This proved that life originated from non-living components.