Exercise: Simulations




BIO372 : Evolution : Origin of Life : Exercise: Simulations

Exercise: Simulations

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Evidence about the origin of life on earth is indirect. One cannot experimentally show what happened since the events have already occurred. On the other hand, one can accumulate a tremendous amount of circumstantial evidence to show that: 1) certain events were possible; and, 2) much of life is consistent with particular hypotheses.

When it is impossible to directly observe an event, it may be possible to simulate that event.

1. Stanley Miller's experiment was a simulation of the initial events leading up to the origin of life.

a) For Stanley Miller's experiment, what was the hypothesis on which the experiment was designed? What is an alternative hypothesis?

b) What was the result of Stanley Miller's experiment? Which of the two hypotheses were supported by the result? Explain.

2. Another important question regarding the origin of life is how molecules could replicate themselves.

a) Is there evidence that shows that RNA molecules can replicate themselves? Explain. What source(s) did you use for your information?

b) Is there evidence that shows that proteins or other molecules can replicate themselves? Explain. (At this site about replication, read the part that starts with "The first "living things" could..." and click on the image to the left of that sentence. Ignore the rest of this site.) What source(s) did you use for your information?

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