BIOLOGY 001 WEEKLY TEST 1

27/10/23

1. What is Miller-Urey experiment and what did it demonstrate

Answers

The Miller-Urey experiment was a pioneering scientific experiment conducted in 1952

by chemists Stanley Miller and Harold Urey. The purpose of the experiment was to

investigate the conditions on early Earth and to simulate the chemical processes

thought to be involved in the origin of life. 2 MARKS

Setting up the Apparatus: Stanley Miller and Harold Urey constructed a closed

experimental apparatus. They introduced gases believed to be present in the early

Earth's atmosphere: methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), water vapor (H2O), and

hydrogen (H2).

Simulating Lightning: They introduced electrical discharges in the apparatus to

simulate lightning strikes, which were believed to be common on early Earth.

Heating and Evaporation: The electrical discharges caused heating in the system,

which led to the evaporation of water.

Condensation and Cooling: As the water vapor condensed, it formed a "primitive

ocean" within the apparatus.

Chemical Reactions: The continuous electrical discharges and the presence of the

gases in the system facilitated various chemical reactions.

Analysis: After running the experiment for about a week, Miller and Urey analyzed the

contents of the system.

Observations: They observed the formation of a variety of organic molecules, including

amino acids.

Conclusion: The experiment demonstrated that under simulated early Earth

conditions, basic organic molecules necessary for life, such as amino acids, could

spontaneously form from inorganic precursors.

Significance: The experiment provided important evidence supporting the theory of

abiogenesis, which suggests that life could arise from non-living matter through

natural processes. 7

MARKS

2. what is the current leading scientific theory on the origin of life

Answers: The current leading scientific theory on the origin of life is known as

abiogenesis. Abiogenesis is the idea that life emerged from non-living matter through a

series of chemical reactions in a suitable environment on early Earth. 1 MARK

3. What are the conditions on the early earth that may have supported the

emergence of life?

Reducing Atmosphere: Early Earth had a reducing atmosphere, which means

it contained gases like methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), water vapor (H2O), and

hydrogen (H2), but lacked significant amounts of free oxygen (O2). This

provided the necessary chemical building blocks for life.

 Energy Sources: There were various potential energy sources available,

including frequent lightning strikes, ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, and

geothermal heat from volcanic activity.

Liquid Water: Water was present in liquid form, which is considered crucial for

the chemistry of life as we know it. It provided a medium for chemical reactions

to occur and facilitated the transport of molecules. 3 MARKS

4. How old is the earth according to scientific estimates

According to current scientific estimates, the Earth is approximately 4.54 billion

years old. This age is determined through various dating methods, including

radiometric dating of rocks and meteorites, as well as analysis of isotopic ratios

1 MARK

5. What is the scientific method and why is it important in research

The scientific method is a systematic approach used by scientists to investigate

natural phenomena, acquire knowledge, and make informed conclusions

1MARK

6. List and explain the steps of the scientific method.

Observation: Scientists start by observing a phenomenon in the natural world

using their sense organs. This can be anything from a pattern, behavior, or

occurrence that sparks curiosity.

Question: Based on their observations, scientists formulate a specific question

or hypothesis that addresses what they want to learn or understand.

Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a testable explanation or prediction about the

phenomenon.
 Experimentation: Scientists design and conduct controlled experiments to test

their hypothesis. They manipulate variables, making sure to have a control

group for comparison.

Data Collection: During the experiment, scientists collect data through careful

measurements and observations. This data can be qualitative (descriptive) or

quantitative (numerical).

Analysis: Scientists analyze the collected data to look for patterns, trends, or

relationships. They use statistical methods and other tools to draw meaningful

conclusions.

Conclusion: Based on the analysis, scientists draw conclusions about whether

the data supports or refutes the hypothesis. If necessary, they may revise or

refine the hypothesis for further testing.

Communication: Scientists communicate their findings through publications in

scientific journals, presentations at conferences, and other means. This allows

others in the scientific community to review, replicate, and build upon the

research. 8MARKS

7. How is a hypothesis different from a theory

Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a specific, testable statement or prediction about a

phenomenon or relationship between variables. It is proposed to be either

supported or refuted through empirical evidence gathered from experiments or

observations.

8. Theory: A scientific theory is a well-substantiated, comprehensive explanation

of a natural phenomenon. It is based on a body of evidence gathered from

multiple experiments and observations and is widely accepted within the

scientific community.

2 MARKS

TOTAL MARKS =25