Why Can We Not Use Modern Atmospheric Conditions to Infer

question 38

Essay

Why can we not use modern atmospheric conditions to infer the origin of life?

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Definitions:

Pi Bonds

Covalent chemical bonds where two lobes of one involved atomic orbital overlap two lobes of the other involved atomic orbital, forming a bond that is parallel to the bonding axis and allowing for electron sharing.

RU-486

A synthetic steroid used medically to induce abortion by blocking the action of progesterone.

Cis-trans Isomers

Stereoisomers that differ in the spatial arrangement of groups relative to a double bond, ring, or other structure leading to different physical and chemical properties.

Constitutional Isomers

Molecules that share the same molecular formula but differ in the connectivity of their atoms, leading to different structural forms.