The Miller and Urey abiotic synthesis experiment (and subsequent, similar experiments) showed that __________.

• A. life can be created in a test tube
• B. long chains of DNA can form under abiotic conditions
• C. the earliest life-forms introduced large amounts of oxygen into the atmosphere
• D. the low concentration of organic compounds prevented them from polymerizing
• E. simple organic molecules can form spontaneously under conditions like those thought to prevail early in Earth's history

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the Miller and Urey experiment, which aimed to simulate early Earth conditions to test the hypothesis of abiotic synthesis of organic molecules.
2. Recognize that the experiment involved a closed system with water, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen gases, which were believed to be present in the early Earth's atmosphere.
3. Note that the system was subjected to electrical sparks to mimic lightning, providing energy to drive chemical reactions.
4. Observe that the experiment resulted in the formation of simple organic molecules, such as amino acids, which are the building blocks of life.
5. Conclude that the experiment demonstrated that simple organic molecules can form spontaneously under conditions similar to those of early Earth, supporting the idea of abiotic synthesis as a precursor to life.