Miller–Urey Experiment
Ashley Perez
Biology 124
September 15, 2013 Discussion Paper In the experiment of Mr. Miller, I understand that he sealed in certain elements that stimulated the conditions that he thought were presented in the beginning of earth’s time and tested the chemicals that would be there a few days later. Miller predicted that prehistoric earth had certain chemical reactions that made organic compounds from inorganic base. The experiment used water, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen. The chemicals were all sealed inside a sterile array of glass flasks and flasks connected in a loop, with one flask half-full of liquid water and another flask containing a pair of electrodes. The liquid water was heated to induce evaporation, sparks were fired between the electrodes to simulate lightning through the atmosphere and water vapor, and then the atmosphere was cooled again so that the water could condense and trickle back into the first flask in a continuous cycle. Within the first day of their experiment the water turn noticeably pink and by the end of the week the solution was deep re and turbid. The observed that as much as 10-15% of the carbon in the system was formed into organic compounds and about 2% had formed amino acids; The amino acids that are used to make proteins in living cells were. The article along with my own research helped me understand the value of this experiment and allowed me to understand the importance of it. It is fascinating that we are able to reinvent a contained prehistoric earth atmosphere and be able to see almost exactly what was made within those lost years. To see exactly how things were being made and how enriching the atmosphere was; not to mention probably
Biology 124
September 15, 2013 Discussion Paper In the experiment of Mr. Miller, I understand that he sealed in certain elements that stimulated the conditions that he thought were presented in the beginning of earth’s time and tested the chemicals that would be there a few days later. Miller predicted that prehistoric earth had certain chemical reactions that made organic compounds from inorganic base. The experiment used water, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen. The chemicals were all sealed inside a sterile array of glass flasks and flasks connected in a loop, with one flask half-full of liquid water and another flask containing a pair of electrodes. The liquid water was heated to induce evaporation, sparks were fired between the electrodes to simulate lightning through the atmosphere and water vapor, and then the atmosphere was cooled again so that the water could condense and trickle back into the first flask in a continuous cycle. Within the first day of their experiment the water turn noticeably pink and by the end of the week the solution was deep re and turbid. The observed that as much as 10-15% of the carbon in the system was formed into organic compounds and about 2% had formed amino acids; The amino acids that are used to make proteins in living cells were. The article along with my own research helped me understand the value of this experiment and allowed me to understand the importance of it. It is fascinating that we are able to reinvent a contained prehistoric earth atmosphere and be able to see almost exactly what was made within those lost years. To see exactly how things were being made and how enriching the atmosphere was; not to mention probably