Question

Who were the two that conducted an experiment to synthesize organic molecules abiotically? How did they provide the probable conditions of the primitive earth in this experiment?

Answer 1

The two scientists who conducted the experiment to synthesize organic molecules abiotically were Stanley Miller and Harold C. Urey in 1953.

They recreated the probable conditions of the primitive Earth in the laboratory by designing a spark-discharge apparatus. The apparatus simulated the primitive Earth’s atmosphere containing gases like hydrogen, ammonia, methane, and water vapor. Energy was supplied by electric discharge (sparks between tungsten electrodes) simulating lightning, and by heating the liquid-containing chamber to provide the necessary energy for chemical reactions.

The larger flask contained the gas mixture at a high temperature (~800°C), and through the apparatus, liquid condensates accumulated in a separate chamber. The mixture was subjected to electric discharge for a few days, which led to the abiotic synthesis of amino acids like glycine, alanine, and aspartic acid, as well as other complex organic compounds.