Study Notes Life On Earth Essay Example

Flask experiment aimed to settle the debate regarding the composition of Earth's primitive atmosphere. As part of this experiment, gases like methane, ammonia, hydrogen gas and water vapor were exposed to a continuous electric discharge from tungsten electrodes that represented 'lightning'. The gases were circulated for one week following which the liquid present in the apparatus was analyzed. This interaction led to the formation of various amino acids and other organic compounds. The objective behind conducting this experiment was to test hypotheses about Earth's origins and prove that organic compounds can form in an atmosphere containing methane, ammonia, hydrogen gas and water vapor with energy supply. It also showed that these compounds could be synthesized from non-living conditions. Different variations in gases were tested resulting in organic compound production as well. Miller's experiment served as a starting point for research leading up to later discoveries. To verify whether microorganisms had any influence on the mixture, the same procedure was repeated without electric discharge but fewer organic compounds were produced with similar results obtained after sterilization of entire process as before.The chemical evolution stage created building blocks for living organisms that could have formed on Early Earth using its primitive atmosphere along with lightning and UP radiation as sources of energy.

Organic molecules are currently highly perishable and susceptible to breakdown. This is due to their decomposition by organisms or oxidation through exposure to atmospheric oxygen.

The discovery of simple biological recesses and visibility of previously invisible objects was made possible by the ability to trap micro-organisms in the swan neck tube using the Light Microscope.

Recent Technologies:

The advancement of engineering has facilitated discoveries such as

Roseland Franklin's identification of DNA's double helix. It has also enabled exploration of the ocean depths and outer space, leading to the theory that life may have originated near hydrothermal vents due to the chemicals and energy they provide for pertinent chemical reactions in life's evolution.