Biopoiesis

From Freepedia

Biopoiesis or biopoesis is the process of living matter evolving from self-replicating but nonliving molecules. This theory describes the origin of life on Earth, the earliest evidence of which points to life arising 3.87 billion years ago.

It is theorized that biopoiesis may occur over time if an energy source, organic molecules, and liquid water are present. J. B. S. Haldane and A.I. Oparin developed this theory in the 1920s. The Miller-Urey experiment tested this theory in 1953, as did Joan Oró in 1961.

Current Research

• NASA Astrobiology Institute: Earth's Early Environment and Life
• NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training in Exobiology: Gustaf O. Arrhenius

Publications

1. Pitsch, S. Krishnamurthy, R. Arrhenius, G. (2000). Concentration of simple aldehydes by sulfite-containing double-layer hydroxide minerals: implications for biopoesis. Helvetica chimica acta. Sep-Oct. 83(9):2398-411.
2. Hartman, H. (1998). Photosynthesis and the origin of life. Orig Life Evol Biosph. Oct. 28(4-6):515-21.
3. Arrhenius, G. Sales, B. Mojzsis, S. Lee, T. (1997). Entropy and charge in molecular evolution--the case of phosphate. J Theor Biol. Aug 21. 187(4):503-22.