The Miller-Urey experiment combined which two things to create basic building blocks of life?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks: The Miller-Urey experiment combined which two things to create basic building blocks of life?

Because the answer options are not provided, I will first acknowledge the given answer and then explain the underlying concept.

What the experiment did: The Miller-Urey experiment simulated early Earth conditions by combining simple inorganic molecules (the basic inorganic feedstock such as water, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen) with an energy source to drive chemical reactions. The energy source used in the classic setup was electrical discharges (sparks) to mimic lightning.

Why the stated answer is correct: The combination of simple molecules (a basic organic/inorganic starting mix) with electricity (energy) is precisely what allowed complex organic molecules, such as amino acids, to form in the experiment. In other words, the experiment demonstrated that under reducing atmospheric conditions and with an energy input, simple molecules can be driven to form biologically important organic compounds.

Why other potential options (if they had been provided) might be incorrect:
- If an option claimed only 'electricity' or only 'simple molecules' were sufficient without both, that would be incomplete, because energy input is needed to drive the chemical reactions among the simple molecules to synthesize more complex organics.
- If an option suggested exotic or non-starting materials (e.g., 'complex biomolecules already present' or 'radioactive sources'), those would misrepresent the historical setup and purpose of the experiment.
- If an option framed the process as requiring biological catalysts or enzymes, that would be inaccurate for the Miller-Urey design, which relied on abiotic chemistry without enzymes.

In summary, the core idea is the synergy between a mixture of simple starting molecules and an energy source to trigger the synthesis of more complex organic compounds, which is consistent with the correct interpretation of the Miller-Urey experiment.

Biology 2 - Ecology (Adv) Quiz 5: History of Life Quiz (classic)

The Miller-Urey experiment combined which two things to create basic building blocks of life?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Chemical evolution required about _____ years to form the first primitive biological self replicating cells.

CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER Which of the following statements would support the abiogenesis hypothesis for the origin of life on Earth?

CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER With regard to the origin of life on Earth, which of the following findings would support the hypothesis of abiogenesis, but not the panspermia hypothesis?

Question at position 33 A Martian probe brings back a soil sample that contains stretches of DNA that are similar to life on Earth. This evidence would support which hypothesis? Panspermia"RNA world"AbiogenesisNot enough informationClear my selection

Question at position 22 Of the approaches listed below, which one is used to study the origin of life on Earth?PhylogeneticsComputer modelingComparative anatomyFossil analysisMolecular clocksClear my selection

Question at position 16 What surface is thought to have served as a site where nucleotides could be held together in close proximity?clayglasssandrockwaterClear my selection

Question at position 17 Which is thought to be the original energy source for the metabolism of the first living cells?PhotosynthesisGeothermal heatSolar energyLightningFireClear my selection

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler