The Miller Urey Experiment was conducted for a total of one week, with the initial experiment running for four days and the second experiment running for three days.
The experiment was conducted for one week because it was meant to simulate the conditions on early Earth, which was believed to have lasted for billions of years. A week was sufficient time to demonstrate the formation of organic compounds, which was the main goal of the experiment.
The length of the experiment was determined based on the estimated conditions on early Earth, including the presence of certain gases and energy sources. The researchers also took into account the limitations of the equipment and resources available to them at the time.
Yes, the experiment has been replicated and extended by other researchers, with some experiments lasting up to a month. However, the original experiment conducted by Miller and Urey remains the most well-known and significant in the field of origin of life research.
Yes, the length of the experiment is still relevant today as it laid the foundation for further research on the origin of life and the formation of organic compounds. It also sparked debates and discussions on the conditions and processes that could have led to the emergence of life on Earth.