Under what conditions will prebiotic molecules NOT be manufactured in Miller-Urey experiments?
A) if ammonia (NH₃) is present in the flask
B) if methane (CH₄) is present in the flask
C) if oxygen (O₂) is present in the flask
D) if carbon dioxide (CO₂) is present in the flask

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oxygen (O2) is a highly reactive gas that would oxidize or destroy most organic molecules synthesized in Miller-Urey experiments. The other compounds listed (ammonia, methane, and carbon dioxide) are all potential sources of prebiotic molecules that could be formed in the experiment.

Under What Conditions Will Prebiotic Molecules NOT Be Manufactured in Miller-Urey