The Origins of Life: Molecules and Natural Selection

amino acids ammonia atmo atoms base-pairs billion biological carbon dioxide catalysts cell Chapter chemical CITROENS coacervates coli colloidal complex complicated condensation condensation reactions contain cules cyanoacetylene direct the synthesis dust cloud earth-like electric discharge environment enzymes equilibrium evolution evolved example extraterrestrial Figure formed free energy gases genetic apparatus genetic code glycine heat hydrogen cyanide inorganic last common ancestor living organisms mechanism membrane messenger RNA meteorite methane microorganisms mirror images mixture modern molecular Murchison meteorite mutation natural selection NH2 OH nitrogen nucleic acids nucleotides occur oceans optically active organic compounds organic material organic molecules origins oxidizing oxygen planets polymers polynucleotides polypeptides possible prebiotic chemistry prebiotic conditions prebiotic soup prebiotic synthesis present primitive atmosphere primitive earth problem protein synthesis reactions reducing atmosphere replication Reproduced with permission rocks sequence similar simple solar system species spontaneous strand structure surface temperatures theory tion ultraviolet