From his experiments, S.L. Miller produced amino acids by mixing the following in a closed flask:
Answer: (C) CH4, H2, NH3 and water vapor at 800°C. Answer: (C) CH4, H2, NH3 and water vapor at 800°C.
- A.CH4, H2, NH3 and water vapor at 600°C
- B.CH3, H2, NH3 and water vapor at 600°C
- C.CH4, H2, NH3 and water vapor at 800°C✓
- D.CH3, H2, NH3 and water vapor at 800°C
Correct Answer
(C) CH4, H2, NH3 and water vapor at 800°C
Solution & Explanation
Answer: (C) CH4, H2, NH3 and water vapor at 800°C. In 1953 S.L. Miller created an electric discharge in a closed flask containing methane (CH4), hydrogen (H2), ammonia (NH3) and water vapour maintained at 800°C, simulating the reducing atmosphere of early earth, and observed the formation of amino acids. Options with CH3 or 600°C are incorrect. NCERT Reference: Ch 6 Evolution, p.111, lines 35–38: "In 1953, S.L. Miller, an American scientist created similar conditions in a laboratory scale (Figure 6.1). He created electric discharge in a closed flask containing CH4, H2, NH3 and water vapour at 8000C. He observed formation of amino acids."