The Question is from neet-zoology genetics-evolution origin-of-life, and it was created by the author Mr. BALACHANDRA.N

Question

The Miller-Urey experiment attempted to simulate early Earth conditions to test the chemical origin of life. Which of the following gaseous components was NOT included in their experimental setup, despite being potentially present in the early atmosphere?

Mr. BALACHANDRA.N · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Miller-Urey experiment and early Earth atmospheric composition
	**Related Topics**:  Origin of life, chemical evolution, prebiotic chemistry
	**Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of atmospheric gases and experimental design.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	The Miller-Urey experiment aimed to recreate early Earth conditions to investigate the origin of life.
	Options: $CH_4$ (Methane), $NH_3$ (Ammonia), $H_2O$ (Water vapor), $O_2$ (Oxygen)
**Method & Steps**:
	1. Recall the Miller-Urey experiment's setup.  The experiment used a reducing atmosphere, meaning it was low in oxygen.
		Reasoning:  The early Earth's atmosphere is believed to have been significantly different from today's, with much less free oxygen.
		Formula/Rule: N/A
	2. Consider the components included in the experiment: Methane, ammonia, water vapor, and hydrogen gas ($H_2$).
		Working: The experiment simulated volcanic activity and lightning discharges in a closed system containing these gases.
		Key Point: The absence of free oxygen was crucial because oxygen is highly reactive and would have prevented the formation of many organic molecules.
	3. Identify the excluded component.
		Result: Oxygen ($O_2$) was not included.
		Verification: The Miller-Urey experiment successfully produced amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, in the absence of oxygen.  The presence of oxygen would have likely oxidized these organic molecules, preventing their formation.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Methane ($CH_4$) was included in the experiment.
B :x: Ammonia ($NH_3$) was included in the experiment.
C :x: Water vapor ($H_2O$) was included in the experiment.
D ✓: Oxygen ($O_2$) was NOT included in the experiment because the early Earth's atmosphere is thought to have been largely anaerobic (lacking free oxygen).
## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing the composition of the early Earth's atmosphere with the present-day atmosphere:  The early Earth's atmosphere was very different, lacking significant free oxygen.
			How to avoid:  Focus on the reducing nature of the early atmosphere.
		2. Assuming oxygen was necessary for life's origin:  While oxygen is essential for most life today, early life forms likely evolved in an oxygen-poor environment.
			How to avoid:  Understand that the Miller-Urey experiment aimed to test the possibility of life arising in a reducing atmosphere.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1. Remember that the Miller-Urey experiment was designed to test the hypothesis of abiogenesis in a reducing atmosphere.
		2.  The absence of oxygen was a key feature of the experiment's design.

Mr. BALACHANDRA.N · Answer

Methane ($CH_4$)

Mr. BALACHANDRA.N · Answer

Ammonia ($NH_3$)

Mr. BALACHANDRA.N · Answer

Water vapor ($H_2O$)

Mr. BALACHANDRA.N · Answer

The correct Option is "Oxygen ($O_2$)"

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