Why Is the Absence of Atmospheric Oxygen (O₂) So Important

question 45

Multiple Choice

Why is the absence of atmospheric oxygen (O₂) so important to the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis?

• A) Oxygen is corrosive and thus would have degraded many of the metallic compounds on Earth's surface, releasing toxic gasses into the new atmosphere.
• B) Oxygen is more reduced than hydrogen gas, methane, or ammonia.
• C) Oxygen would have supported microorganisms that promote chemical decay.
• D) Oxygen is able to reverse reactions by removing electrons and hydrogen from organic molecules, thus destroying the first organic compounds as quickly as they developed.
• E) Oxygen would have caused multiple explosions, converting chemical energy into heat energy and rendering that energy unavailable for driving the synthesis of organic molecules.

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Definitions:

Material Handling

The logistics of moving, protecting, warehousing, managing, and disposing of materials and products from the start of production, through the distribution process, to consumption and eventual elimination.

Investment Costs

Expenses associated with the acquisition of new assets, facilities, or equipment intended to increase the capacity, efficiency, or capabilities of a business.

Pilferage

A small amount of theft.

Holding Costs

Expenses related to keeping inventory in storage, including warehousing, insurance, and spoilage costs, which are part of the overall inventory carrying costs.