Prelims 2012 · Science and Technology · Question 63
Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?
Answer
Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen
- (a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium: Sodium is not a primary biogenic element in origin-of-life chemistry. Early life chemistry is centered more on carbon-based compounds with hydrogen and nitrogen. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen: These are core elements of organic molecules such as amino acids and nucleic acids, which are fundamental to life. Verdict: Correct.
- (c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus: Calcium is important biologically later, but not among the primary elements emphasized in prebiotic origin-of-life chemistry. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (d) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium: Carbon and hydrogen are central, but potassium is not a primary element associated with the origin of life. Verdict: Incorrect.