IB Biology HL A2.1.4 Evidence for Origin of Carbon Compounds Questions

Describe how Miller–Urey produced amino acids from methane, ammonia, hydrogen and water vapour. Compare later experiments using different gases and energy sources, including UV and ionizing radiation, and explain how these results support abiotic synthesis of organic compounds.

Exam points

Describe the Miller–Urey production of amino acids using methane, ammonia, hydrogen and water vapour.
Explain how later experiments using different gases and energy sources, including UV and ionizing radiation, support abiotic synthesis of amino acids, fatty acids, sugars, bases and simple polymers.

[Maximum number: 1]

The Miller-Urey experiment carried out in 1952 tested the hypothesis of the chemical origin of life. What were the key findings?

Living cells could be produced from a mixture of chemicals.

Complex organic molecules could form under simulated primordial conditions.

Life could spontaneously emerge without external influence.

DNA and RNA could self-replicate in a prebiotic environment.

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IB Biology HL A2.1.4 Evidence for Origin of Carbon Compounds Questions question 1