Where were the amino acids, the molecules of life, created: perhaps in a lightning storm in the early Earth, or perhaps elsewhere in the cosmos? This book argues that at least some of them must have been produced in the cosmos, and that the fact that the Earthly amino acids have a specific handedness provides an important clue for that explanation. The book discusses several models that purport to explain the handedness, ultimately proposing a new explanation that involves cosmic processing of the amino acids produced in space. The book provides a tour for laypersons that includes a definition of life, the Big Bang, stellar nucleosynthesis, the electromagnetic spectrum, molecules, and supernovae and the particles they produce.

This book provides an interdisciplinary review of one of the great unsolved mysteries that has fascinated scientists for over 150 years: the origin of chirality in biomolecules. Current advances in fields as diverse as space exploration, prebiotic chemistry and high-energy physics may help to provide an answer. Important pieces of information will come from observations at the two frontiers of science: outer space and the subatomic world. Observation of distant planets, galaxies, and even actual sampling of celestial objects from beyond the solar system are projects currently underway. At the other end of the spectrum, there are experiments that study the elemental properties of matter, such as symmetry, and interactions with the fundamental forces. Completely revised and updated this new edition once again unifies all the theories of the origin of biomolecular homochirality together in a single source. This complete, interdisciplinary review of an intriguing subject condenses a large and disparate range of contributions from journals in almost every scientific field. The various theories have been organized, interrelated and explained in a unified way. It is fundamental, comprehensive and structured to be accessible for educational purposes.

The Molecular Dance: Unraveling the Choreography of Life's Building Blocks takes readers on an exciting journey into the intricate world of molecular biology. This captivating book delves into the fundamental aspects of life, exploring the organization and structure of cells, the importance of molecular biology in cell function, and the fascinating dance of biological molecules. From the very beginning, the book immerses readers in the captivating realm of nucleic acids. It unravels the secrets of DNA and RNA, revealing their structure, functions, and role in crucial processes like replication, transcription, and translation. As readers dive deeper, they encounter the diverse world of proteins, exploring amino acids, protein synthesis, folding, function, and the remarkable power of enzymes and catalysis. The exploration continues with a comprehensive look into the realm of carbohydrates, examining monosaccharides, polysaccharides, and exploring the intricacies of carbohydrate metabolism. Delving into lipids, readers discover the role of fatty acids in membrane structure, lipid metabolism, and the crucial role of lipid signaling in cellular communication. The book then delves into the fascinating world of cellular signaling, shedding light on cell communication, signal transduction, and the cellular response to external signals. It also explores gene regulation, uncovering the intricacies of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, as well as epigenetic control. One of the highlights of this book is its comprehensive coverage of genetic engineering, showcasing the world-changing innovations in recombinant DNA technology, gene cloning and expression, and the applications of this revolutionary field. Genomics and proteomics are also extensively covered, giving readers insight into genome sequencing, functional genomics, and the intricate world of protein function. As readers progress, they encounter various molecular biology techniques, such as the widely used polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, western blotting, and cutting-edge next-generation sequencing. The book also delves into the impact of molecular biology in disease, exploring the molecular basis of genetic disorders, cancer biology, and infectious diseases, along with their molecular diagnosis. The book takes readers into the realm of emerging topics in molecular biology, highlighting the groundbreaking fields of synthetic biology, RNA interference (RNAi), and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. It also addresses ethical considerations in molecular biology, touching on bioethics, genetic testing, privacy, and the ethical issues surrounding biomedical research. Finally, the book concludes with a glimpse into the future directions of molecular biology. It explores the advances in imaging techniques, the fascinating world of systems biology approaches, and the potential therapeutic applications of molecular biology. With its comprehensive coverage and engaging narrative, The Molecular Dance: Unraveling the Choreography of Life's Building Blocks is a must-have for anyone interested in understanding the intricate dance that shapes the foundations of life. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply curious about the wonders of molecular biology, this book is a captivating journey through the fascinating world of life's building blocks.

Macromolecules. Molecular structure as the key to biological Activity. Giant molecules in cells and tissues. The insuline molecule. Proteins. The hemoglobine molecule. The three-dimensional structure of an enzyme molecule. The structure of the hereditary material. The nucleotide sequence of a nucleic acid. The bacterial chromosome. The repair of DNA. The duplication of chromosomes. A replicating macromolecular complex. Bacterial viruses and sex. The multiplication of bacterial viruses. The structure of viruses. The fine structure of the gene. The genetics of a bacterial virus. Building a bacterial virus. Gene action in protein synthesis. The expression of genetic information. The genes of men and models. Hybrid nucleic acids. Polyribosomes. The genetic code. The genetic code: II. The genetic code: III. Gene structure and protein structure. How proteins start. Modification of gene action. The regulation of cellular activity. The control of biochemical reactions. Hormones and genes. Antibiotics and the genetic code. The induction of cancer by viruses. The structure of Antibodies. Radiant energy and the origin of life. Molecular evolution. Life and light. The role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis. The evolution of hemoglobin. Chemical fossils. The origin of life. Bibliographical notes and bibliographies. Index of names. Index of subjects.