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    Biology 001 Weekly Test 1

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    The Miller-Urey experiment in 1952 simulated early Earth conditions and demonstrated that organic molecules like amino acids could form spontaneously from inorganic precursors. The current leading theory on the origin of life is abiogenesis, which suggests life emerged through natural chemical reactions on the early Earth. Conditions on the early Earth that may have supported the emergence of life included a reducing atmosphere, energy sources like lightning, liquid water, and the Earth is estimated to be approximately 4.54 billion years old based on scientific dating methods.

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    Biology 001 Weekly Test 1

    Uploaded by

    tituschiamaka895
    8 views5 pages
    The Miller-Urey experiment in 1952 simulated early Earth conditions and demonstrated that organic molecules like amino acids could form spontaneously from inorganic precursors. The current leading theory on the origin of life is abiogenesis, which suggests life emerged through natural chemical reactions on the early Earth. Conditions on the early Earth that may have supported the emergence of life included a reducing atmosphere, energy sources like lightning, liquid water, and the Earth is estimated to be approximately 4.54 billion years old based on scientific dating methods.

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    BIOLOGY 001 WEEKLY TEST 1

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    The Miller-Urey experiment in 1952 simulated early Earth conditions and demonstrated that organic molecules like amino acids could form spontaneously from inorganic precursors. The current leading theory on the origin of life is abiogenesis, which suggests life emerged through natural chemical reactions on the early Earth. Conditions on the early Earth that may have supported the emergence of life included a reducing atmosphere, energy sources like lightning, liquid water, and the Earth is estimated to be approximately 4.54 billion years old based on scientific dating methods.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    8 views5 pages

    Biology 001 Weekly Test 1

    Uploaded by

    tituschiamaka895
    The Miller-Urey experiment in 1952 simulated early Earth conditions and demonstrated that organic molecules like amino acids could form spontaneously from inorganic precursors. The current leading theory on the origin of life is abiogenesis, which suggests life emerged through natural chemical reactions on the early Earth. Conditions on the early Earth that may have supported the emergence of life included a reducing atmosphere, energy sources like lightning, liquid water, and the Earth is estimated to be approximately 4.54 billion years old based on scientific dating methods.

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    of 5

    BIOLOGY 001 WEEKLY TEST 1

    27/10/23

    1. What is Miller-Urey experiment and what did it demonstrate

    Answers

    The Miller-Urey experiment was a pioneering scientific experiment conducted in 1952

    by chemists Stanley Miller and Harold Urey. The purpose of the experiment was to

    investigate the conditions on early Earth and to simulate the chemical processes

    thought to be involved in the origin of life. 2 MARKS

    Setting up the Apparatus: Stanley Miller and Harold Urey constructed a closed

    experimental apparatus. They introduced gases believed to be present in the early

    Earth's atmosphere: methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), water vapor (H2O), and

    hydrogen (H2).

    Simulating Lightning: They introduced electrical discharges in the apparatus to

    simulate lightning strikes, which were believed to be common on early Earth.

    Heating and Evaporation: The electrical discharges caused heating in the system,

    which led to the evaporation of water.

    Condensation and Cooling: As the water vapor condensed, it formed a "primitive

    ocean" within the apparatus.

    Chemical Reactions: The continuous electrical discharges and the presence of the

    gases in the system facilitated various chemical reactions.


    Analysis: After running the experiment for about a week, Miller and Urey analyzed the

    contents of the system.

    Observations: They observed the formation of a variety of organic molecules, including

    amino acids.

    Conclusion: The experiment demonstrated that under simulated early Earth

    conditions, basic organic molecules necessary for life, such as amino acids, could

    spontaneously form from inorganic precursors.

    Significance: The experiment provided important evidence supporting the theory of

    abiogenesis, which suggests that life could arise from non-living matter through

    natural processes. 7

    MARKS

    2. what is the current leading scientific theory on the origin of life

    Answers: The current leading scientific theory on the origin of life is known as

    abiogenesis. Abiogenesis is the idea that life emerged from non-living matter through a

    series of chemical reactions in a suitable environment on early Earth. 1 MARK

    3. What are the conditions on the early earth that may have supported the

    emergence of life?

    Reducing Atmosphere: Early Earth had a reducing atmosphere, which means

    it contained gases like methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), water vapor (H2O), and

    hydrogen (H2), but lacked significant amounts of free oxygen (O2). This

    provided the necessary chemical building blocks for life.


    Energy Sources: There were various potential energy sources available,

    including frequent lightning strikes, ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, and

    geothermal heat from volcanic activity.

    Liquid Water: Water was present in liquid form, which is considered crucial for

    the chemistry of life as we know it. It provided a medium for chemical reactions

    to occur and facilitated the transport of molecules. 3 MARKS

    4. How old is the earth according to scientific estimates

    According to current scientific estimates, the Earth is approximately 4.54 billion

    years old. This age is determined through various dating methods, including

    radiometric dating of rocks and meteorites, as well as analysis of isotopic ratios

    1 MARK

    5. What is the scientific method and why is it important in research

    The scientific method is a systematic approach used by scientists to investigate

    natural phenomena, acquire knowledge, and make informed conclusions

    1MARK

    6. List and explain the steps of the scientific method.

    Observation: Scientists start by observing a phenomenon in the natural world

    using their sense organs. This can be anything from a pattern, behavior, or

    occurrence that sparks curiosity.

    Question: Based on their observations, scientists formulate a specific question

    or hypothesis that addresses what they want to learn or understand.

    Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a testable explanation or prediction about the

    phenomenon.
    Experimentation: Scientists design and conduct controlled experiments to test

    their hypothesis. They manipulate variables, making sure to have a control

    group for comparison.

    Data Collection: During the experiment, scientists collect data through careful

    measurements and observations. This data can be qualitative (descriptive) or

    quantitative (numerical).

    Analysis: Scientists analyze the collected data to look for patterns, trends, or

    relationships. They use statistical methods and other tools to draw meaningful

    conclusions.

    Conclusion: Based on the analysis, scientists draw conclusions about whether

    the data supports or refutes the hypothesis. If necessary, they may revise or

    refine the hypothesis for further testing.

    Communication: Scientists communicate their findings through publications in

    scientific journals, presentations at conferences, and other means. This allows

    others in the scientific community to review, replicate, and build upon the

    research. 8MARKS

    7. How is a hypothesis different from a theory

    Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a specific, testable statement or prediction about a

    phenomenon or relationship between variables. It is proposed to be either

    supported or refuted through empirical evidence gathered from experiments or

    observations.

    8. Theory: A scientific theory is a well-substantiated, comprehensive explanation

    of a natural phenomenon. It is based on a body of evidence gathered from

    multiple experiments and observations and is widely accepted within the


    scientific community.

    2 MARKS

    TOTAL MARKS =25

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