Answer: e. Measure the isotopic ratios of various elements in the compounds, and compare them with isotopic ratios of elements in the corresponding Earth compounds.
Explanation:
The options to the question are:
a. Determine the relative abundance of each compound out of all organic compounds in the meteorite, and compare it to the corresponding abundance found on Earth.
b. Test the compounds to determine their physical properties, including melting point and solubility in water and other solvents.
c. Observe whether the compounds can be taken up and chemically altered through biochemical processes within Earth organisms.
d. Run elemental analyses to determine the identities of elements present and their relative abundance in each compound.
e. Measure the isotopic ratios of various elements in the compounds, and compare them with isotopic ratios of elements in the corresponding Earth compounds.
From the question, we are informed that a scientist has analyzed a meteorite discovered in a remote area of Arizona and that the analysis has revealed the presence of many organic compounds, some of which are biological relevant. We are further told that the scientist wants evidence that the compounds were synthesized in space.
The analysis that would be best for this purpose is to measure the isotopic ratios of various elements in the compounds, and compare them with isotopic ratios of elements in the corresponding Earth compounds. The isotopic ratio can be measured through the use of a mass spectrometer.
