The Molecular Origins of Life: Assembling Pieces of the Puzzle [Paperback]

Andri Brack (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521564751 | ISBN-13: 978-0521564755 | Publication Date: December 28, 1998 | Edition: 1

The origin of life was probably the result of a singular event in the Earth's history, and reconstructing this event is like assembling a puzzle made up of many pieces. These pieces are composed of information acquired from many different disciplines. The aim of this book is to integrate the most recent discoveries in astronomy, planetology, paleontology, biology and chemistry, and use this knowledge to present plausible scenarios that give us a better understanding of the likely origin of life on Earth. Eighteen experts contribute chapters that discuss everything from the environment and atmosphere of the early Earth, to the appearance of organic molecules in the prebiotic environment, to primitive chiral chemical systems capable of self-replication and evolution by mutation. The book also discusses various clues to the origin of life that can be obtained by a study of the past and present microbial world, as well as from other planets.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It is predicted that completing [the] origin-of-life puzzle will be a major human endeavor in the next millennium. The Molecular Origins of Life provides a detailed look at many of the pieces scientists have started to assemble." Journal of the American Chemical Society

"Well edited...It is an entertaining volume yet contains excellent informative science." Choice

"A good reference book for those seeking down-to-earth up-to-date facts and theories... Cell

"A valuable tool for biologists, Earth scientists, astronomers, and chemists." Biosis

Book Description

The origin of life was probably a unique occurrence, and reconstructing this event is like assembling a puzzle made up of many pieces. The aim of this book is to integrate discoveries in astronomy, planetology, paleontology, biology and chemistry, and use this knowledge to give us a better understanding of the likely origin of life on Earth. Eighteen top experts contribute chapters that discuss everything from the environment and atmosphere of the early Earth, through the appearance of organic molecules in the prebiotic environment, to primitive chemical systems capable of self-replication and evolution by mutation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 428 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (December 28, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521564751
• ISBN-13: 978-0521564755
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,725,618 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)