Question

the mysteries of lifes origins
earths early atmosphere contained toxic gases. the atmosphere also contained little or no oxygen. in the 1950s, stanley miller and harold urey set out to determine if organic molecules could assemble under early earth conditions. the experimental design of this groundbreaking experiment is shown below.

1. label the diagram to show which part of miller and ureys apparatus simulated...

a. lightning storms on early earth
b. oceans on early earth
c. atmosphere on earth; include gases they used

1. what was the purpose of miller and ureys experiment?
2. what were the results of the miller-urey experiment?

Explanation:

1.

• A. The spark discharge apparatus simulated lightning storms.
• B. The flask with boiling water simulated the oceans.
• C. The upper chamber with gases (methane, ammonia, hydrogen, water vapor) simulated the atmosphere.

1. The purpose was to determine if organic molecules that make up living things could form under conditions based on early Earth.
2. The results were that a complex mixture of organic molecules formed, containing amino acids.

Answer:

1.

• A. Spark discharge apparatus.
• B. Flask with boiling water.
• C. Upper chamber with gases (methane, ammonia, hydrogen, water vapor).

1. To determine if organic molecules that make up living things could form under conditions based on early Earth.
2. A complex mixture of organic molecules formed, containing amino acids.