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Written by an expert in the field
With numerous illustrations
Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras
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Table of contents (14 chapters)
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Front Matter
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Physicochemical Principles
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Front Matter
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Scenarios of Ancient Worlds
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Front Matter
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Back Matter
About this book
This book presents the fascinating formation of the first simple bioorganic molecules and describes the hidden aspects of chiral compounds, which raise questions on the molecular beginnings of life. The occurrences of extraterrestrial, non-standard amino acids in meteorites are dealt with in detail, as well as their subsequent transfer to proteinogenic amino acids. The concept of asymmetric organo-catalysis for the synthesis of carbohydrates and ribonucleosides are considered. The notion of a single amino acid that functions as an enzyme is developed. Attempts to simulate ancient world scenarios are critically reviewed. There is a special focus on ribozymes and the resulting RNA world. Combinations of different world scenarios are discussed in view of an on-going evolution. The currently most plausible hypotheses and visions of ancient world scenarios that led to today’s DNA world are also provided. Included is a pre-cellular world of viruses that is presented for the first time.
Reviews
From the reviews:
“This brief book has two parts; the first tries to lay the groundwork by which chemical evolution led to the synthesis of biologically relevant molecules, while the second summarizes several current plausible hypotheses relating to the origin of molecules and, by extension, cells and life. … In general, the topics are stimulating and exciting … . Summing UP … . Upper-division undergraduates and above.” (M. Rossi, Choice, Vol. 48 (11), August, 2011)Authors and Affiliations
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Schriesheim, Germany
Rolf M. Flügel
About the author
Part I. Physico-chemical Principles
1. Introduction
2. Formation of primordial bioorganic molecules
3. Hidden Aspects of Chirality
4. RNAs and their constituents
5. Proteins and their constituents
6. Membranes
7. Compounds Required for Life
Part II. Scenarios of Ancient Worlds
8. The RNA World Involves RNA as a First Genetic System
9. Peptide and Protein World
10. Combinations of the RNA with the peptide world
11. The Precellular World of Viruses
12. Combinations of Different Worlds
13. The Iron Sulfide World of Proto-Metabolism
14. The Genetic CodeBibliographic Information
Book Title: Chirality and Life
Book Subtitle: A Short Introduction to the Early Phases of Chemical Evolution
Authors: Rolf M. Flügel
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-16977-9
Publisher: Springer Berlin, Heidelberg
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life Sciences, Biomedical and Life Sciences (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011
Softcover ISBN: 978-3-642-16976-2Published: 13 January 2011
eBook ISBN: 978-3-642-16977-9Published: 11 January 2011
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: IX, 90
Number of Illustrations: 5 b/w illustrations, 10 illustrations in colour
Topics: Biochemistry, general