A2.1

Question 1

Pre-Biotic Formation of Carbon Compounds

Answer 1

Volcanic eruptions, lightnings was a regular occurrence.

Early gaseous compounds may have included methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide

Earth’s early atmospheric components coupled with high surface temperature and lightning, followed by a gradual cooling, resulted in spontaneous formation of many carbon compounds.

Question 2

Abiogenesis

Answer 2

Abiogenesis: the theory that living cells arose from non-living matter

Question 3

explain abiogenesis

Answer 3

There wasnon-living synthesis ofsimple organic molecules

These simple organic molecules became assembled intomore complex polymers

These molecules becamepackaged into membraneswith an internal chemistry different from their surroundings (compartmentalization)

Certain polymers formed the capacity toself-replicate(enabling inheritance)

Question 4

Miller-Urey Experiment

Answer 4

In 1953, Stanley Miller and Harold Urey conducted an experiment to simulate the condition thought to be present on early Earth.

Aim: demonstrate non-living synthesis of simple organic molecules

Question 5

results of the miller-urey experiment

Answer 5

Miller identified several simple organic molecules including hydrocarbons and amino acids.

Question 6

miller-urey experiment (1)

Answer 6

The postulated conditions of pre-biotic Earth was recreated using a closed system of flasks and tubes

Question 7

miller-urey experiment (2)

Answer 7

Water was boiled to vapour to reflect thehigh temperaturescommon to Earth’s original conditions

Question 8

miller-urey experiment (3)

Answer 8

The vapour was mixed with a variety of gases (including H2, CH4, NH3) to create areducing atmosphere(nooxygen)

Question 9

miller-urey experiment (4)

Answer 9

This mixture was then exposed to anelectrical discharge(simulating the effects of lightning as an energy source for reactions)

Question 10

miller-urey experiment (5)

Answer 10

The mixture was then allowed tocool (concentrating components) and left for a week

Question 11

miller-urey experiment (6)

Answer 11

After this time, the condensed mixture was analysed and found to contain traces of simple organic molecules