Historical Introduction: A.I. Oparin and the Origin of Life.- Chapters in Honor of "Proiskhozhdenie Zhizni" and A. I, Oparin.- Protein Structure and the Molecular Evolution of Biological Energy Conversion.- Condensation Reactions of Lysine in the Presence of Polyadenylic Acid.- Considerations of the Origin of Spontaneous Mutations.- Pre-Enzymic Emergence of Biochemical Metabolism.- The Methods of Science and the Origins of Life.- Phospholipid Monolayers-As a Prototype of Biological Membranes.- Peptides and Amino Acids in the Primordial Hydrosphere.- Amino Acids and Carbohydrates in Precambria.

The field of planetary biology and chemical evolution draws together experts in astronomy, paleobiology, biochemistry, and space science who work together to understand the evolution of living systems. This field has made exciting discoveries that shed light on how organic compounds came together to form self-replicating molecules-the origin of life. This volume updates that progress and offers recommendations on research programs-including an ambitious effort centered on Mars-to advance the field over the next 10 to 15 years. The book presents a wide range of data and research results on these and other issues: The biogenic elements and their interaction in the interstellar clouds and in solar nebulae. Early planetary environments and the conditions that lead to the origin of life. The evolution of cellular and multicellular life. The search for life outside the solar system. This volume will become required reading for anyone involved in the search for life's beginnings-including exobiologists, geoscientists, planetary scientists, and U.S. space and science policymakers.

The search for life in the solar system and beyond has to date been governed by a model based on what we know about life on Earth (terran life). Most of NASA's mission planning is focused on locations where liquid water is possible and emphasizes searches for structures that resemble cells in terran organisms. It is possible, however, that life exists that is based on chemical reactions that do not involve carbon compounds, that occurs in solvents other than water, or that involves oxidation-reduction reactions without oxygen gas. To assist NASA incorporate this possibility in its efforts to search for life, the NRC was asked to carry out a study to evaluate whether nonstandard biochemistry might support life in solar system and conceivable extrasolar environments, and to define areas to guide research in this area. This book presents an exploration of a limited set of hypothetical chemistries of life, a review of current knowledge concerning key questions or hypotheses about nonterran life, and suggestions for future research.

The Present Volume Provides An Excellent Up-To-Date Account Of The Course And Development Of Biochemistry. The Text Revolves Around The Basic Principles Of Biochemistry As Well As Molecular And Biochemical Control Mechanisms Responsible For Structural, Informational And Behavioural Properties Of Cells Resulting In A Composite Picture Of Modern Biochemistry. The Book Is Organized Into Five Sections That Follows An Introductory Chapter Dealing With Biochemical Basis Of Life. Part I Treats The Foundations And Fundamentals Which Includes Four Chapters To Help Prepare A Student Finally To Enter The Realm Of Biochemistry. This Part Is Especially Designed To Clarify The Basic Concepts And Introducing Quantitation In Biochemical Sciences And Represents A Distinctive And Crucial Feature Above All The Existing Texts. Part Ii Deals With Molecular Structure And Organization Of Biomolecules. This Part Is Composed Of Five Chapters Describing In Detail, The Biochemical Organization Of Information Molecules In Living Cells. Part Iii Represents Biosynthesis Of Biomolecules Covering Five Chapters Describing In Detail The Biochemical Control Of Traffic Of Information Molecules In The Living Cells. Part Iv Describes The Dynamics Of Energy Transformation And Represents Six Chapters Dealing With The Maintenance And Expenditure Of Energy In Biochemical Processes. Part V Deals With Enzymology And Special Aspects Of Metabolism And Includes Eleven Chapters Especially Devoted To Cover Recent Developments And Topics Of Current Importance. This Volume Concludes With A Chapter Dealing With The Place And Relevance Of Biochemistry On An Interdisciplinary Platform. Every Chapter Is Followed By A Short List Of Selected General References Pertaining To That Particular Subject. There Are Seven Indices Following The Complete Write Up And Is Primarily Directed Towards Providing Additional And Extra Information Useful To Establish A Link Between All The Sections And Chapters.In View Of Academic Curriculum Existing In Various Universities And Institutions (Including Agricultural Universities), The Present Book Should Conform To The Requirements And Interests Of Honours And Postgraduate Students In Life Sciences In General Including Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, Genetics And Microbiology.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

"Lynn Margulis is one of the most successful synthetic thinkers in modern biology. This collection of her work, enhanced by essays co-authored with Dorion Sagan, is a welcome introduction to the full breadth of her many contributions." EDWARD O. WILSON, AUTHOR OF THE DIVERSITY OF LIFE "An important contribution to the history of the 20th century. Read it and you will taste the flavor of real science." JAMES LOVELOCK, AUTHOR OF GAIA: A NEW LOOK AT LIFE ON EARTH "Truly inspirational and of fundamental importance. This thoughtful series of essays on some of the largest questions concerning the nature of life on earth deserves careful study."PETER RAVEN, MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN

Here is a fascinating reader-friendly exploration of “the phosphorus enigma.” The volume attempts to answer the questions: How did phosphorus atoms, which are produced inside the inner cores of a handful of huge stars, become concentrated in relatively high proportions in the organisms composing Earth’s biosphere? And how did these phosphate derivatives manage to be included in such a great variety of organic molecules playing essential biochemical roles in all known life forms? Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the topic, the volume is arranged in three sections. The first section introduces the fundamental concepts and notions of physics, chemistry, and biology necessary for the proper understanding of the topics discussed within an astronomical framework. The author then focuses on the role of phosphorus and its compounds within the context of chemical evolution in galaxies, considering its relevance in most essential biochemical functions as well as its peculiar chemistry under different physicochemical conditions. The third section provides an overall perspective on the role of phosphorus and its compounds in current areas of research of solid state physics, materials engineering, nanotechnology or medicine.