Biochemistry: Miller-Urey Experiment Flashcards
What was the purpose of the Miller-Urey experiment?
to figure out if Alexander Oparin’s and J. B. S. Haldane’s hypothesis that conditions on the primitive Earth could result in the synthesis of organic compounds from inorganic molecules.
What chemicals were present in primitive Earth?
hydrogen cyanide (HCN), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen (N2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and water (H2O)
What were the first organisms present on Earth?
cyanobacteria, which were anaerobic organisms
What chemicals were used in the Miller-Urey experiment?
H2O, CH4, NH3, H2
Why was H2O, CH4, NH3, H2, and CO used in the experiment?
it is thought that those chemicals were present in the early day atmosphere.
Why was it necessary to seal the gasses inside a network of sterile flasks and glass tubes?
oxygen would’ve ruined the experiment since there was no O2 in early Earth.
Why was a heat source needed?
to imitate water vapor rising into the atmosphere + early Earth was a lot hotter than it is now
What was the purpose of the electrical spark?
to simulate lighting
What was produced in the Miller Urey experiment?
a variety of organic compounds
Why were the products of the experiment so important?
shows how life on Earth was produced by inorganic substances
What are some strengths and weaknesses of the Miller Urey experiment?
strength - showed how organic compounds were formed
weakness - does not show how amino acids could create more complex proteins
What were some possible energy sources for early life?
the sun
Did this experiment create life?
no
