Question

1. Explain the significance of the experiment carried out by S.L. Miller. Name the scientists whose hypothesis prompted him to carry out this experiment.    (2.5)
2. How does meteorite analysis favour this hypothesis?    (0.5)

Answer 1

1. Miller's experiment at 800°C showed that UV radiations, electrical discharges, or a combination of these can generate complex chemical molecules from a mixture of \[\ce{CH4, NH3, H2}\], and water vapour \[\ce{(H2O)}\]. He saw the synthesis of amino acids, carbohydrates, pigments, nitrogen bases, and lipids in the flask. This theory supported the idea of abiogenesis, followed by chemical evolution.
   The experiment was inspired by Oparin and Haldane's belief that life originated from non-living organic molecules like RNA and protein. 
2. Meteorite content analysis showed comparable molecules, suggesting that similar processes may occur elsewhere in space.