A scientist has analyzed a meteorite discovered in a remote area of Arizona.The analysis has revealed the presence of many organic compounds, some of which are biologically relevant.The scientist wants evidence that the compounds were synthesized in space.Which analysis would be best for this purpose?
A) Determine the relative abundance of each compound out of all organic compounds in the meteorite, and compare it to the corresponding abundance found on Earth.
B) Test the compounds to determine their physical properties, including melting point and solubility in water and other solvents.
C) Observe whether the compounds can be taken up and chemically altered through biochemical processes within Earth organisms.
D) Run elemental analyses to determine the identities of elements present and their relative abundance in each compound.
E) Measure the isotopic ratios of various elements in the compounds, and compare them with isotopic ratios of elements in the corresponding Earth compounds.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Measuring isotopic ratios of various elements in the compounds and comparing them with isotopic ratios of elements in the corresponding Earth compounds would be the best choice to determine if the compounds were synthesized in space. Isotopic ratios can provide information about the conditions and processes involved in the formation of the compounds, and if they differ significantly from the corresponding Earth compounds, it would suggest that the compounds were formed in space.

A Scientist Has Analyzed a Meteorite Discovered in a Remote