4 Processes for the spontaneous origin of life on Earth Flashcards
Monomers
- one
- Simple organic molecules
- Can form naturally
- Without a living system (No cell needed)
Requirement for monomers?
they MUST have carbon and hydrogen
Minimum 2 Carbons and 1 Hyrdogen
Example of monomers?
Amino acids
Miller and Urey
1953
Modeled early earth conditions in the lab
Describe Miller and Urey Experiment
In a glass refluxing system, they created a miniature ocean atmosphere system
Mixture of inorganic compounds was heated and circulated past an electric park (to model lightning)
Then it was allowed to condense
What inorganic gases did Miller and Urey use?
Included hydrogen, ammonia, methane, water vapor, and carbon dioxide
Results of Miller and Urey experiment?
Amino acid Glycine (Organic compounds (Not alive)) were formed from inorganic compounds
The conclusion of Miller and Urey experiment?
Molecules of life can arise from non-living material
We may be able to show that organic compounds could arise under certain conditions, but we cannot determine with certainty whether they did in the past.
Polymerization
Monomers join together to form large polymers
We can observe polymerization on which surfaces?
- In clay
- At ocean shore
- At hydrothermal vents
What causes polymers to form from monomers?
Heat and motion
How do droplets form?
Lipids self assemble into droplets that enclose a solution with internal chemistry that’s different from it’s surroundings
Evidence of droplet formation?
- Martin Hanczye (Formation of protocells which can move, divide, and interact with the environment)
- Jack Szcostak (Vesticle formation)
Glycerol relationship to water?
Hydrophilic (faces liquid)
Fatty Acids relationship to water?
Hydrophobic (Don’t want to face water)
