Pre-biotic Evolution

Historical Time Line for the Study of Evolution

• von Helmont [1577-1644] proposes spontaneous generation
• L Pasteur [1822-1895] disproves spontaneous generation
• Charles Darwin[1809-1882] in 1859 proposed the Theory of Evolution

The First Experimental Test -

• M Calvin 1950 tries to initiate origin of life-like chemicals - using NH4, CO2, H2O, H2 -->HCHO
  Formaldehyde in the cyclotron.
• Miller and Urey 1953 use NH4, CH4, H2O, H2 --> amino acids and variety of molecules. The key is cyanide which is a synthetic intermediate.
• Sydney Fox and co-workers produce proteins and enzymes in the 1950s. The key is driving off the side-product water.

This web site is provided for instruction in Botany and Zoology 342

by Kenneth G. Wilson,
Professor of Botany
Miami University
wilsonkg@muohio.edu