Hot water containing iron and nickel emerges from below Earth's crust at deep ocean hydrothermal vents where there is no oxygen.These metals catalyze the polymerization of amino acids in the absence of oxygen.This evidence supports the hypothesis of
A) the prebiotic synthesis of large molecules in Earth's early environment.
B) photosynthesis by cyanobacteria 3.5 billion years ago.
C) the prebiotic synthesis of small molecules in the ice of Europa, a moon of Jupiter.
D) the evolution of whales.
E) an extraterrestrial origin of life.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of iron and nickel catalyzing the polymerization of amino acids in the absence of oxygen supports the hypothesis of prebiotic synthesis of large molecules in Earth's early environment. This is because it suggests that the conditions on early Earth were conducive to the formation of complex organic molecules, which may have eventually led to life. The other options are not supported by this evidence.

Hot Water Containing Iron and Nickel Emerges from Below Earth's