The Molecules of Life

• What is the most common element in space?

  Hydrogen
• Why is there a chance for hydrogen atoms to form hydrogen molecules in space?


  Because there is about 1 atom per cm³ of hydrogen in space between the stars
• What is the approximate density of particles in dense gas clouds between stars?

  About 100 to 1 x 10⁶ particles per cm³
• What are gas clouds primarily composed of?


  Tiny floating atoms and molecules, mostly hydrogen, and dust from the breakup of stars
• How are gas clouds detected?

  By infrared telescopes, radio on Earth, and spectroscopic instruments carried by rockets
• Who conducted an experiment in 1950 related to the origin of life?

  Stanley Miller
• What substances did Stanley Miller use in his 1950 experiment?

  Methane, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water
• What did Stanley Miller simulate in his experiment?

  The effect of lightning
• What was the outcome of Stanley Miller's experiment?

  Some of the mixture was converted to amino acids
• What does Stanley Miller's experiment suggest about the origin of life on Earth?

  Life could have originated from molecules in dense gas clouds in outer space