Which one of the following molecules was formed during the Miller’s experiment?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Amino acids
According to the theory of chemical evolution, life was preceded by the formation of organic molecules from inorganic ones. In 1953, S.L. Miller tested this in the laboratory. He passed an electric discharge through a closed flask containing CH4, H2, NH3 and water vapour at 800°C. These are the conditions thought to have existed on the early earth.
(1) Nitrogenous bases — Incorrect. Nitrogen bases were seen by other workers in similar experiments, not in Miller’s own experiment.
(2) Pigments — Incorrect. Pigments too were seen only in the later, similar experiments.
(3) Sugars — Incorrect. Sugars were also reported by others in similar experiments.
(4) Amino acids — Correct. Miller observed the formation of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.
NCERT Extract:
Origin of Life – …
