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

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]

(a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium

(b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen

(c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorous

(d) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium


Answer: (b)        

Explanation:

  • The origin of life on Earth is believed to be closely linked to the formation of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon chains from carbon and hydrogen.
  • These chains are a vital component of cell membranes, which are essential to life.
  • Additionally, amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are composed of five elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.
  • Furthermore, if we replace sulfur with phosphorus, these same five elements also make up nucleic acids such as DNA.
  • Therefore, option 2 is the correct answer.

Consider the following statements:                                                                   The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:                                               

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Consider the following statements:                                                         The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:                                               

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