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Books > Professional & Technical > Other technologies > Space science > General
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The Limits of Organic Life in Planetary Systems
(Paperback)
National Research Council, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Board on Life Sciences, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, Space Studies Board, …
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R1,372
R1,225
Discovery Miles 12 250
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The search for life in the solar system and beyond has to date been
governed by a model based on what we know about life on Earth
(terran life). Most of NASA's mission planning is focused on
locations where liquid water is possible and emphasizes searches
for structures that resemble cells in terran organisms. It is
possible, however, that life exists that is based on chemical
reactions that do not involve carbon compounds, that occurs in
solvents other than water, or that involves oxidation-reduction
reactions without oxygen gas. To assist NASA incorporate this
possibility in its efforts to search for life, the NRC was asked to
carry out a study to evaluate whether nonstandard biochemistry
might support life in solar system and conceivable extrasolar
environments, and to define areas to guide research in this area.
This book presents an exploration of a limited set of hypothetical
chemistries of life, a review of current knowledge concerning key
questions or hypotheses about nonterran life, and suggestions for
future research. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1
Introduction 2 A Sketch of the Chemistry Behind Known Carbon-based
Life on Earth 3 Pushing the Boundaries of Life 4 Alternatives to
Terran Biochemistry in Water 5 Origin of Life 6 Why Water? Toward
More Exotic Habitats 7 Life Detection and Biomarkers 8 Conclusions
and Recommendations Appendix A Glossary Appendix B Biographies of
Committee Members and Staff
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