Question

Which compounds were used by Miller in his experiment for obtaining amino acids and other organic substances?

• A. Carbon dioxide, water vapour and methane
• B. Methane, ammonia, water vapour and hydrogen cyanide.
• C. Ammonia, methane, hydrogen and water vapour
• D. Ammonia, methane and carbon dioxide

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The first experimental support to Oparin-Haldane's theory of origin of life came from Urey and Miller's experiment. They conducted experiment on evolution to prove the biochemical origin of life.

In 1953, Miller built an apparatus of glass tubes and flasks in laboratory. He created an atmosphere containing hydrogen, ammonia, methane and water vapour in one big flask and allowed condensed liquid to accumulate in another small flask. The ratio of methane, ammonia and hydrogen in the large flask was 2: 1: 2. Energy was supplied to the apparatus by heating the liquid as well as by electric sparks from tungsten's electrodes in the gaseous flask. The conditions of apparatus resembled the atmosphere present on the early earth.

So, the correct answer is 'Ammonia, methane, hydrogen and water vapour'.