Miller-Urey experiment

The Miller-Urey experiment was conducted in 1953 to simulate the conditions that might have existed on the early Earth and to investigate the origin of life. Stanley Miller and Harold Urey created an apparatus that simulated the early Earth's atmosphere, which consisted of methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water vapor. The experiment aimed to determine if the organic molecules that constitute the building blocks of life, such as amino acids, could be synthesized under such conditions.

Gas not taken up by Miller in the experiment

The gas that was not taken up by Miller in his experiment was water. In the Miller-Urey experiment, water was not added to the reaction mixture as it was already present in the form of water vapor in the simulated atmosphere. The other gases, such as methane, ammonia, and hydrogen, were introduced into the apparatus, and an electric spark was used to simulate lightning, which is believed to have been prevalent on the early Earth.

Role of water in the experiment

Although water was not added to the reaction mixture, it played a crucial role in the Miller-Urey experiment. The water vapor in the simulated atmosphere was subjected to the electric spark, leading to the formation of hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen ions. These reactive species then reacted with the other gases, leading to the formation of organic molecules, including amino acids.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Miller did not add water to his experiment as it was already present in the simulated atmosphere in the form of water vapor. The other gases, such as methane, ammonia, and hydrogen, were introduced into the apparatus, and an electric spark was used to simulate lightning, leading to the formation of organic molecules, including amino acids.