Question

During chemical evolution, the small molecules that played a crucial role in the origin of life were ______, ______ and ______.

Answer 1

During chemical evolution, the small molecules that played a crucial role in the origin of life were NH₃, H₂O and CH₄.

Explanation:

These small molecules were the basic inorganic compounds that provided the building blocks for the synthesis of more complex organic molecules such as amino acids, sugars, and nitrogenous bases in the primitive ocean. Experiments like the Miller-Urey experiment showed that a reducing atmosphere containing these gases could lead to the abiotic formation of amino acids and other organic compounds essential for life.