Definition : (1953) Standey Miller Experimentally proved the formation of simple organic compounds from simpler molecules under reducing conditions.
Introduction : The oparin – Holdone hypothesis was effectively proved in the laboratory by Stanley Miller, a student working in the laboratory of Harold Orey. Miller build an apparatus that simulated (i.e. created an artificial primitive atmosphere in the apparatus) the presumed conditions of primeval earth. This experiment produced large number of major organic products such as common amino acids (essential for pustein formation), fatty acids and other organic molecules.
- This experiment proved that the assumptions are the realdane-oparin hypothesis about primitive earth’s ‘reducing’ atmosphere was correct. Miller and Orey won Nobel prize for this. The presumed conditions of reducing earth which Miller incorporated in his experimental apparatus were:-
- A gaseous phase containing reduced compounds : methane, ammonia, water and hydrogen atoms.
- Electrical energy for a spark discharge
- Ambient temperature
- Sterile conditions.