Question

Which compound has very important role in prebiotic evolution?

• A. Sulphur dioxide
• B. Nitric oxide
• C. Methane
• D. Sulphur trioxide

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Methane

Miller and Urey provided first proof for chemical synthesis of proteins by amino acids. They simulated the primitive earth conditions, as proposed by Oparin, in an apparatus of the glass tube and flasks and synthesised simple organic compounds (amino acids, fatty acids sugars etc) from a mixture of methane, hydrogen and water vapour. As in primitive atmosphere, hydrogen served as a reducing agent while methane provided hydrocarbon skeleton for synthesis of organic compounds. The absence of methane prevented synthesis of these monomers in a glass chamber. Water served as a medium for chemical synthesis of organic compounds in the glass chamber. Oxygen and therefore oxides were absent in primitive reducing atmosphere.

So, the correct answer is option C.