Between Necessity and Probability: Searching for the Definition and Origin of Life (Advances in Astrobiology and Biogeophysics)

This study investigates the major theories of the origins of life in light of modern research with the aim of distinguishing between the necessary and the optional and between deterministic and random influences in the emergence of what we call ?life.? Life is treated as a cosmic phenomenon whose emergence and driving force should be viewed independently from its Earth-bound natural history. The author synthesizes all the fundamental life-related developments in a comprehensive scenario, and makes the argument that understanding life in its broadest context requires a material-independent perspective that identifies its essential fingerprints. TOC:The Early History of Bio-Energy.- The Origin of Cell Boundaries and Metabolism.- The Origin fo the Early Specificity; The Order, Complexity and Diversity of Life.- The Origin of the Handedness.- The Early History of Bio-Information.- The Purpose-Like Nature of Life.- Assembling the Early Puzzle of Life.- The Material-Independent Signatures of Life; Forensic Tools of Astrobiology.- Appendix A. Models and Theories of Early Life.- Appendix B. A Chronology of Definitions and Interpretations of Life This Study Investigates The Major Theories Of The Origins Of Life In Light Of Modern Research With The Aim To Distinguish Between The Necessary And Optional And Between Deterministic And Random Influences In The Emergence Of What We Call Life. Life Is Treated As A Cosmic Phenomenon Whose Emergence And Driving Force Should Be Viewed Independently From Its Earth-bound Natural History. The Author Synthesizes All The Fundamental Life-related Developments In A Comprehensive Scenario And Makes The Argument That Understanding Life In Its Broadest Context Requires A Material-independent Perspective That Identifies Its Essential Fingerprints.--jacket. The Early History Of Bioenergy -- Energy-related Phase Transitions Toward Life -- Catalysis -- Reflexive Activity -- Energy Transduction -- Energy Control Mechanisms -- Quantitative Consequences Of Energy Control Mechanisms -- Distribution Of Energy Input -- The Origin Of Cell Boundaries And Metabolism -- The Make-up Of Life's Boundaries -- The Early Evolution Of Cellular Boundaries -- Outcomes Of An Early Boundary -- Systems Without Defined Boundaries -- Systems With Non-specialized Boundaries -- Self-assembly Of Specialized Boundaries -- Boundary-derived Properties Of Life -- Coupling Of Spatial Seclusion With A Reflexive Activity -- The Origin Of Metabolism -- The Origin Of Early Specificity. The Order, Complexity And Diversity Of Life -- Order -- Complexity -- Diversity -- Specificity -- Specificity Of Polymer-based Life -- The Origin Of Specificity -- Transition From External To Internal Control -- Major Events In The Early History Of Specificity -- The Origin Of Feedback Mechanisms As A Source Of Internal Stability -- The Origin Of Forward Regulation -- Consequences Of Internal Regulation -- Forced Oscillations And Periodic Clocks -- Specificity-related Phase Transitions Toward Life -- Specificity-related Minimal Requirements Of Life -- The Origin Of Handedness -- Chirality And Life -- Natural Sources Of Chirality -- Evolutionary Steps Toward Biological Chirality -- Handedness-related Steps Toward Life -- The Early History Of Bio-information -- Early Sources Of Bio-information. Radu Popa. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [227]-252). Systematically explores the early origins and basic definition of life. Investigates the major theories of the origins of life in light of modern research with the aim of distinguishing between the necessary and the optional and between deterministic and random influences in the emergence of what we call life. Treats and views life as a cosmic phenomenon whose emergence and driving force should be viewed independently from its Earth-bound natural history. Synthesizes all the fundamental life-related developments in a comprehensive scenario, and makes the argument that understanding life in its broadest context requires a material-independent perspective that identifies its essential fingerprints According to Ernst Haeckel, ''any detailed hypothesis whatever concerning the origin of life must, as yet, be considered worthless, because up till now we have no satisfactory information concerning the extremely peculiar conditions which prevailed on the surface of the earth at the time when the first organisms developed" (Haeckel 1866).