Bookeditors, Akihiko Yamagishi, Takeshi Kakegawa and Tomohiro Usui.
Summary: This book provides concise and cutting-edge reviews in astrobiology, a young and still emerging multidisciplinary field of science that addresses the fundamental questions of how life originated and diversified on Earth, whether life exists beyond Earth, and what is the future for life on Earth. Readers will find coverage of the latest understanding of a wide range of fascinating topics, including, for example, solar system formation, the origins of life, the history of Earth as revealed by geology, the evolution of intelligence on Earth, the implications of genome data, insights from extremophile research, and the possible existence of life on other planets within and beyond the solar system. Each chapter contains a brief summary of the current status of the topic under discussion, sufficient references to enable more detailed study, and descriptions of recent findings and forthcoming missions or anticipated research. Written by leading experts in astronomy, planetary science, geoscience, chemistry, biology, and physics, this insightful and thought-provoking book will appeal to all students and scientists who are interested in life and space.
Contents:
Intro; Preface; Contents; Part I: Introduction to Astrobiology;
Chapter 1: What Is Astrobiology?; 1.1 Introduction; 1.2 Why Astrobiology Now?; 1.3 Why Astrobiology Is Needed; 1.4 Textbook Overview; 1.5 Conclusion; References; Part II: Physics and Chemistry from Space to Life;
Chapter 2: Prebiotic Complex Organic Molecules in Space; 2.1 Introduction; 2.2 Molecules in Space; 2.2.1 Molecules Observed in Space; 2.2.2 Classification of Molecules in Space; 2.3 Prebiotic Organic Molecules in Space; 2.3.1 Why Prebiotic Organic Molecules Are Made of H, C, N, and O? 2.3.2 Prebiotic Organic Molecules of the Greatest Importance in Space2.4 Challenges in Searching for Amino Acids and Nucleobases in Space; 2.4.1 Amino Acids; 2.4.2 Nucleobases; 2.5 Conclusion; References;
Chapter 3: Chemical Interactions Among Organics, Water, and Minerals in the Early Solar System; 3.1 Introduction: Enigma on Origin of Organic Molecules in the Carbonaceous Chondrites; 3.2 A Missing Link in the Early Solar System: Chemical Evolution of Organic Molecules from Solar Nebula to Planetesimals 3.3 Different Stages of Parent Body Aqueous Alteration Recorded in Antarctic Micrometeorites3.4 Ultracarbonaceous Antarctic Micrometeorites: New Type of Cometary Material?; 3.5 Conclusion; References;
Chapter 4: Prebiotic Synthesis of Bioorganic Compounds by Simulation Experiments; 4.1 Introduction; 4.2 Dawn of Experimental Prebiotic Chemistry; 4.2.1 One-Pot Reactions; 4.2.2 Energetics and Formation Mechanisms; 4.2.3 Step-by-Step Reaction Models; 4.3 Formation and Delivery of Extraterrestrial Organic Compounds; 4.3.1 Abiotic Syntheses of Amino Acids in Simulated Space Environments 4.3.2 Abiotic Syntheses of Amino Acids and Insoluble Organic Matter in Simulated Meteorite Parent-Body Environments4.3.3 Formation of Enantiomeric Excesses of Amino Acids in Extraterrestrial Environments; 4.3.4 Delivery of Extraterrestrial Organic Compounds; 4.4 Abiotic Synthesis and Alteration of Organic Compounds in Simulated Primitive Earth Environments; 4.4.1 Prebiotic Synthesis in Simulated Submarine Hydrothermal Conditions; 4.4.2 Reconsideration of the Stepwise Scenario of Chemical Evolution; 4.5 Future Prospects; 4.5.1 Nobel Insights from Planetary Exploration; 4.5.2 Space Experiments