[Campbell Biology P.106] The 'WHAT IF?' question in the text asks: 'If Miller had increased ... | Practice Question

The 'WHAT IF?' question in the text asks: 'If Miller had increased the concentration of NH3 in his experiment, how might the relative amounts of the products HCN and CH2O have differed?' Which of the following is the most plausible hypothesis based on chemical principles?

  • A: An increase in NH3 would likely lead to a higher production of HCN because ammonia provides the necessary nitrogen atom for its synthesis.
  • B: CH2O production would significantly increase as NH3 acts as a catalyst for its formation.
  • C: Both HCN and CH2O amounts would decrease due to an imbalance in reactant ratios inhibiting overall reaction rates.
  • D: There would be no significant change in the relative amounts, as the limiting factor for both products is the carbon source.

Explanation

Hydrogen cyanide HCN contains nitrogen. By increasing the concentration of NH3 ammonia , which provides nitrogen, there would be more reactant available for the formation of HCN, thus likely leading to a higher production of HCN relative to CH2O formaldehyde , which does not contain nitrogen.