🔬 Science & TechnologyUPSC 2012Space & Space Technology

Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?

aHydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium
bCarbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen
cOxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus
dCarbon, Hydrogen, Potassium
✓ Correct answer: b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen
ExplanationBiologists studying various forms of life on Earth have identified a common characteristic among all living organisms.The matter within every living organism on Earth primarily consists of four chemical elements: hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen.Option (b) is correct: Carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen are the elements that were primarily responsible for the origin of life on Earth.These elements are fundamental in the formation of organic compounds, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, which are essential for life.The combination of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen forms the basis of amino acids, nucleotides, and other critical biomolecules involved in the origin of life on Earth.200

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