The Origins of Prebiological Systems and of Their Molecular Matrices

The Origins of Prebiological Systems and of their Molecular Matrices covers the proceedings of the conference conducted at Wakulla Springs, Florida on 27-30 October 1963 under the Auspices of the Institute for Space Biosciences, the Florida State University, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The publication focuses on the processes, methodologies, and assumptions on the origin of life, as well as evolution, molecular matrices, geochemistry, and hydrogenation. The selection first offers information on random polymers as a matrix for chemical evolution, the folly of probability, and molecular matrices for living systems. Discussions focus on ultraviolet photoproduction of polymers, melanin as a random polymer, and random polymer on the primitive earth. The book then takes a look at the aspects of the geochemistry of amino acids; asymmetric hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds; and stages and mechanisms of prebiological organic synthesis. The publication tackles thermal synthesis of amino acids from a hypothetically primitive terrestrial atmosphere and primordial ultraviolet synthesis of nucleoside phosphates. The text also ponders on the probable synthesis of porphine-like substances during chemical evolution; thermal polycondensation of free amino acids with polyphosphoric acid; and random polycondensation of sugars. The selection is highly recommended for readers interested in the origins of prebiological systems.