The cold chemistry experiment of Miller showed prebiotic synthesis in test tubes containing ammonia gas, water vapor, and cyanide (HCN) cooled to -78^oC.This is the temperature of the ice that covers Europa, one of Jupiter's moons.This result is most consistent with which statement?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The experiment conducted by Miller suggests that prebiotic synthesis can occur in cold environments, which is consistent with the possibility of extraterrestrial origin of life on Earth. This does not necessarily mean that life on Earth originated from a cold moon with water, as there could be other sources of prebiotic molecules in the solar system. Additionally, there is no evidence that Earth was at a temperature of -78°C 3.5 billion years ago, and the formation of widespread glaciers did not coincide with the origin of life on Earth. Therefore, options A, B, and D are incorrect. Option E may be possible, but it is not the most consistent with the given information.

The Cold Chemistry Experiment of Miller Showed Prebiotic Synthesis in Test