In the original Miller-Urey experiment it was assumed that carbon and nitrogen in the early atmosphere were present as
A) carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen (N₂)
B) carbonates (CO₃⁻) and nitrates (NO₃⁻)
C) methane (CH₄) and ammonia (NH₃)
D) carbon and nitrogen atoms

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The original Miller-Urey experiment assumed that the early atmosphere was composed of methane (CH₄) and ammonia (NH₃), which were sparked with electricity to simulate lightning. This led to the production of a variety of organic compounds, including amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas were not thought to be present in significant amounts in the early atmosphere.

In the Original Miller-Urey Experiment It Was Assumed That Carbon