The heterotroph hypothesis of the origin of life states that basic organic building blocks formed from inorganic molecules under the primitive conditions present early in Earth’s development. These building blocks combined to form polymers, such as crude proteins. Dr. Sidney Fox wished to add to the heterotroph hypothesis of the origin of life by synthesizing simple proteins from a mixture of amino acids.

Which statement below best states an alternative hypothesis Fox could have used to frame his research?

Formation of crude proteins occurs by chance and occurs regardless of atmospheric O2
levels or available free energy.
A

Given aerobic conditions and large amounts of lightning, amino acids will spontaneously form crude proteins.
B

Formation of simple proteins on primitive Earth only occurs spontaneously if the required building blocks were transported to Earth by a celestial event or a meteorite.
C

In the presence of available energy and the absence of a significant quantity of atmospheric O2
simple proteins will form spontaneously from a mixture of amino acids.