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Molecular Theory of Evolution

Outline of a Physico-Chemical Theory of the Origin of Life

  • Textbook
  • © 1983

Overview

Authors:
  1. Bernd-Olaf Küppers

    1. Max-Planck-Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Federal Republic of Germany

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Table of contents (15 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages I-IX
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  2. Introduction

    1. Introduction

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 1-4

  3. The Molecular Basis of Biological Information

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 5-5
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    2. Definition of Living Systems

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 7-10

    3. Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 11-28

    4. The Information Problem

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 29-34

  4. Principles of Molecular Selection and Evolution

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 35-35
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    2. A Model System for Molecular Self-Organization

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 37-39

    3. Deterministic Theory of Selection

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 40-102

    4. Stochastic Theory of Selection

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 103-125

  5. The Transition from the Non-Living to the Living

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 127-127
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    2. The Information Threshold

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 129-153

    3. Self-Organization in Macromolecular Networks

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 154-174

    4. Information-Integrating Mechanisms

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 175-209

    5. The Origin of the Genetic Code

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 210-227

    6. The Evolution of Hypercycles

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 228-242

  6. Model and Reality

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 243-243
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    2. Systems under Idealized Boundary Conditions

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 245-256

    3. Evolution in the Test-Tube

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 257-278

    4. Conclusions: The Logic of the Origin of Life

      • Bernd-Olaf Küppers
      Pages 279-283
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Keywords

About this book

The subject of this book is the physico-chemical theory of the origin of life. Although this theory is still in statu nascendi, it has been developed in recent years to the point where a coherent presentation is possible. The book is intended as an introductory text for students of physics, chemistry or biology. This interdisciplinary aim has necessitated a choice of material based on the lowest common denominator of physicists and biologists. In particular, the predominantly mathematical and biological sections have been presented at the most elementary l.evel possible. The less mathematically inclined reader can omit Sections (5.3)-(5.5), (5.7)-(5.10), (6.2), (6.3), (9.1)-(9.3), (12.1) and (13.3) without losing the overall view. For critical reading of the manuscript, for discussions and for many useful suggestions I wish to thank M. Eigen (Gottingen), w.e. Gardiner (Austin), D. Porschke (Gottingen), P. Schuster (Vienna), P.R. Wills (Auckland) and P. Woolley (Berlin). The translation of the original, German manuscript into English was kindly undertaken by Paul Woolley. During this and subsequent stages of revision he introduced a great many improvements in the text and the presentation of material. My particular thanks are due to him for his decisive contribution to this book. Last of all I wish to thank Ingeborg Lechten for typing the text in its various stages of evolution. The completion of this book is largely to be attributed to her patience and efficiency.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Max-Planck-Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Federal Republic of Germany

    Bernd-Olaf Küppers

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Molecular Theory of Evolution

  • Book Subtitle: Outline of a Physico-Chemical Theory of the Origin of Life

  • Authors: Bernd-Olaf Küppers

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-70544-1

  • Publisher: Springer Berlin, Heidelberg

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

  • Copyright Information: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 1983

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-3-540-15528-7Published: 20 August 1985

  • eBook ISBN: 978-3-642-70544-1Published: 06 December 2012

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: X, 324

  • Number of Illustrations: 21 b/w illustrations

  • Topics: Biochemistry, general, Cell Biology, Physics, general

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