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"Biochemical Predestination" as Heuristic Principle for Understanding the Origin of Life

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Stephan Berry

Max-Volmer-Inst., PC 14, Technische UniversitÃ¤t Berlin, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, GERMANY

J. Chem. Educ., 1997, 74 (8), p 950

DOI: 10.1021/ed074p950

Publication Date (Web): August 1, 1997

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

This paper presents a discussion of the idea that chemical laws were of great influence in shaping prebiotic chemistry and thus all terrestrial life until today, since the fundamental biochemical characteristics were transmitted from the first protocells to all subsequent organisms (A point of view that is for instance taken by C. De Duve in this recent book "Vital Dust"). It is argued that in fact many of the basic biochemical features of life can be explained by chemical laws. Some examples in support of this view are presented. Among them there is a brief discussion of the absence of chlorine from the group of elements ("CHONSP") forming the chemical basis of life. This observation may be of illustrative value for understanding the biochemical design of life and has obviously not yet been discussed in an origin of life-context. The determination of biochemistry by universal chemical laws is of two fold value: It may be used for the reconstruction of brebiotic processes in the past, but it also enables predictions on the biochemistry of extraterrestrial life, at least for planets having a planetary chemistry similar to Earth.

Keywords (Audience):

General Public

Keywords (Domain):

Biochemistry

Keywords (Subject):

Theoretical Chemistry

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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).

Absolute Asymmetric Synthesis under Physical Fields: Facts and Fictions
Martín Avalos, Reyes Babiano, Pedro Cintas, José L. Jiménez, and Juan C. Palacios, Laurence D. Barron
Chemical Reviews1998 98 (7), 2391-2404
- Absolute Asymmetric Synthesis under Physical Fields: Facts and Fictions
  Martín Avalos, Reyes Babiano, Pedro Cintas, José L. Jiménez, and Juan C. Palacios, Laurence D. Barron
  Chemical Reviews1998 98 (7), 2391-2404
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