Miller-Urey experiment

In 1924 Operon hypothesized that the early earth was enveloped in a reducing atmosphere (methane (CH₄), ammonia (NH₃), hydrogen (H₂), and water (H₂O)). Energy from lightning and other sources reacted to form an organic ooze Haldane called the primordial soup.

The Miller-Urey spark gap apparatus. Simulated lightning was passed through a reducing atmosphere to form amino acids and other organic building blocks. Other than the reducing atmosphere, conditions for the evolution of early life was thought to be similar to today's (the Garden of Eden theory). Stanley Miller simulation is here!