Refer to the table below, representing two experiments conducted by Stanley Miller to simulate early Earth conditions. A comparison of the two experiments highlights a major limitation in designing and running these types of experiments so that a valid conclusion may be drawn.Which statement describes such a limitation?
A) Organic chemicals do not react very well in water-based environments.
B) Only simple compounds were likely present on prebiotic Earth.
C) Chemical reactions occur at much slower rates at cold temperatures than at hot temperatures.
D) Depending on temperature, a chemical reaction may take place in the liquid phase or the gas phase.
E) Many different conditions were likely present on early Earth, and none of these were known with any certainty.

Question

Refer to the table below, representing two experiments conducted by Stanley Miller to simulate early Earth conditions.  A comparison of the two experiments highlights a major limitation in designing and running these types of experiments so that a valid conclusion may be drawn.Which statement describes such a limitation?
A) Organic chemicals do not react very well in water-based environments. 
B) Only simple compounds were likely present on prebiotic Earth. 
C) Chemical reactions occur at much slower rates at cold temperatures than at hot temperatures. 
D) Depending on temperature, a chemical reaction may take place in the liquid phase or the gas phase. 
E) Many different conditions were likely present on early Earth, and none of these were known with any certainty.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The major limitation in designing and running these types of experiments is that many different conditions were likely present on early Earth, and none of these were known with any certainty. This means that many different variables could have affected the outcome of the experiments, and it is difficult to know which factors were most important in the origins of life.

Refer to the Table Below, Representing Two Experiments Conducted by Stanley