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Multiple Choice
What was the primary purpose of the Miller-Urey experiment in the context of organic chemistry?
A
To determine the boiling points of various hydrocarbons.
B
To measure the rate of enzymatic reactions in living organisms.
C
To demonstrate the synthesis of organic compounds from inorganic precursors under prebiotic conditions.
D
To analyze the structural differences between isomers of organic compounds.
Verified step by step guidance
1
The Miller-Urey experiment was designed to simulate the conditions thought to be present on the early Earth, specifically the atmosphere and energy sources.
The primary purpose was to test the hypothesis that organic compounds essential for life could be synthesized from inorganic precursors under prebiotic conditions.
In the experiment, a mixture of gases (such as methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water vapor) was exposed to electrical sparks to mimic lightning, providing energy for chemical reactions.
After running the experiment for a week, the resulting mixture was analyzed, and several organic compounds, including amino acids, were found, supporting the idea that life's building blocks could form naturally.
This experiment was significant because it provided evidence that organic molecules could be formed from simple inorganic compounds, contributing to our understanding of the origin of life.