Question

Which one of the following options gives the correct temperature condition and the mixture of the gaseous components that were used by S.L. Miller in 1953 to prove abiogenesis of life?

• A. \(CH_{4}, H_{2}, NO_{2}\) and water vapour at 1800°C
• B. \(CH_{4}, H_{2}, NH_{3} \) and water vapour at 1800°C
• C. \(CO_{2}, H_{2}, NH_{3}\) and water vapour at 800°C
• D. CH_{4}, H_{2}, NH_{3} and water vapour at 800°C

Hint:

Remember the gas combination CH4, H2, NH3, and water vapour to recall Miller’s experiment on origin of life.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: S.L. Miller conducted an experiment in 1953 to demonstrate the chemical origin of life.
Step 2: He used a closed flask with gases resembling early Earth's atmosphere: methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen (H2), and water vapour.
Step 3: These gases were heated and subjected to electric sparks to simulate lightning.
Step 4: The temperature used was around 800°C (not 1800°C as mentioned in option B, so technically none are fully correct, but B has the correct gas mixture).
Step 5: Organic compounds like amino acids were formed.
\[ \Rightarrow \boxed{\text{Correct mixture: CH}_4, \text{H}_2, \text{NH}_3, \text{and H}_2\text{O.}} \]