Question

The earlier published experiment carried out by Miller did not include H₂S in the reactants (see Figure 4.2). Which compounds shown in the data table can be made in the H₂S experiment but could not be made in the earlier investigation?

Short answer

If Miller did not include H₂S, methionine could not be made as it has a sulfur atom in its chemical formula. This means that sulfur can make methionine. All other amino acids given in the table do not require sulfur for their formation.

Step-by-step solution

Miller’s experiment

Miller’s experiment was conducted to discover the origin of life. It is also known as a chemical method to understand the genesis of life. In this experiment, he simulated the conditions present in the early environment and generated life compounds like amino acids.

Amino acids are regarded as the basis of life. Without these amino acids, life is not possible.

Ingredients for Miller’s experiment

Miller utilized simple and readily available chemicals for his experiment like water(H₂O), ammonia (NH₃), hydrogen (H₂), and methane (CH₄).All these compounds were subjected to high temperature and pressure conditions to gain results.

High temperature and pressure were applied because the earth was hot and stressed in the beginning; these conditions are not present in today’s world. There was also a requirement of apparatus and good laboratory conditions for carrying out this experiment. Only specific ingredients can lead to the formation of desired results.

Methionine formation

Methionine formation is not possible without the help of sulfur. It requires sulfur for its formation. (C₅H₁₁NO₂S) is the chemical formula of methionine; it clearly states that without the addition of H₂S, it is not possible to have methionine as other ingredients cannot contribute to sulfur.