Question

Name the gases which were used by S.L. Miller in the experiment of origin of life.

Hint:

Recall the four-gas reducing-atmosphere mixture used in this classic experiment.

Answer 1

Step 1: Background:
In 1953, Stanley L. Miller created a laboratory apparatus simulating the early reducing atmosphere of the primitive Earth, to test whether simple organic (prebiotic) molecules could form spontaneously under such conditions.

Step 2: The Gas Mixture Used:
He used a mixture of methane (CH₄), ammonia (NH₃), hydrogen (H₂), and water vapour (H₂O), circulated past an electric spark (simulating lightning) at about 800°C.