Life: The Science of Biology
Life: The Science of Biology
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781319010164
Author: David E. Sadava, David M. Hillis, H. Craig Heller, Sally D. Hacker
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
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Chapter 4.2, Problem 3R
Summary Introduction

To review:

The experiment that could be performed to show the formation of proteins from amino acids at the beginning of origin of life.

Given:

The experiment performed by Urey and Miller is represented in the following Figure 1. Figure 1 represents the early-earth conditions that lead to the synthesis of small peptide chains and nucleic acids.

Life: The Science of Biology, Chapter 4.2, Problem 3R

Figure 1: Urey and Miller experiment

Introduction:

The major conditions that prevailed on the earth were high temperature and a reducing environment. The water formed the boiling ocean bodies. These conditions favored the formation of proteinoids. Urey and Miller experiment showed the formation of basic biomolecules such as amino acids, and the polymerization of these molecules can be done in the presence of Ni (nickel) and other metals with high temperature.

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