Galactic chemical evolution impacts multiple areas of research in astrophysics, from interpreting isotopic ratios of presolar grains to characterizing stellar populations in distant galaxies. Of particular interest are the light elements, from carbon to argon. While most [alpha] elements have been well measured and have well-known nucleosynthesis, the astrophysical production of the odd-Z elements is poorly understood. This dissertation focuses on the two odd-Z elements phosphorus and chlorine in order to understand their production in the universe.
Here is a fascinating reader-friendly exploration of “the phosphorus enigma.” The volume attempts to answer the questions: How did phosphorus atoms, which are produced inside the inner cores of a handful of huge stars, become concentrated in relatively high proportions in the organisms composing Earth’s biosphere? And how did these phosphate derivatives manage to be included in such a great variety of organic molecules playing essential biochemical roles in all known life forms? Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the topic, the volume is arranged in three sections. The first section introduces the fundamental concepts and notions of physics, chemistry, and biology necessary for the proper understanding of the topics discussed within an astronomical framework. The author then focuses on the role of phosphorus and its compounds within the context of chemical evolution in galaxies, considering its relevance in most essential biochemical functions as well as its peculiar chemistry under different physicochemical conditions. The third section provides an overall perspective on the role of phosphorus and its compounds in current areas of research of solid state physics, materials engineering, nanotechnology or medicine.
"The Chemical Evolution of Phosphorus: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Astrobiology is an exploration of "the phosphorus enigma." The volume attempts to answer the questions How did phosphorus atoms, which are produced inside the inner cores of a handful of huge stars, become concentrated in relatively high proportions in the organisms composing Earth's biosphere? And how did these phosphate derivatives manage to be included in such a great variety of organic molecules playing essential biochemical roles in all known life forms? Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the topic, the volume is arranged in three main sections. The first section introduces the fundamental concepts and notions of physics, chemistry, and biology necessary for the proper understanding of the topics discussed within an astronomical framework. It covers the basic features of astrophysics, cosmochemistry, and astrobiology disciplines and provides a brief summary of the main physical and chemical properties of phosphorus compounds of interest. The second section focuses on the role of phosphorus and its compounds within the context of chemical evolution in galaxies. Following an interdisciplinary approach, the author discusses the position of P among the main biogenic elements by considering its relevance in most essential biochemical functions as well as its peculiar chemistry under different physicochemical conditions. The phosphorus distribution in different cosmic sites, such as terrestrial planets, interplanetary dust particles, cometary dust, planetary atmospheres, and the interstellar medium (ISM) is reviewed, showing that this element is both scarce and ubiquitous in the universe. Also addressed are some possible routes allowing for the incorporation of phosphorus compounds of prebiotic interest during the earlier stages of solar system formation. The third section features an overall perspective on the role of phosphorus and its compounds in current areas of research of solid state physics, materials engineering, nanotechnology or medicine, as well as some perspectives for future work in order to properly solve the enigma of phosphorus in chemical evolution. The book can be used as reader-friendly resource for undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate students, senior scientists, and researchers coming from diverse related fields of physics, chemistry, and materials science, as well as senior scientists interested in primary sources of the main biogenic elements"--
Thoroughly updated and reorganized, Strickberger's Evolution, Fourth Edition, presents biology students with a basic introduction to prevailing knowledge and ideas about evolution, discussing how, why, and where the world and its organisms changed throughout history. Keeping consistent with Strickberger's engaging writing style, the authors carefully unfold a broad range of philosophical and historical topics that frame the theories of today including cosmological and geological evolution and its impact on life, the origins of life on earth, the development of molecular pathways from genetic systems to organismic morphology and function, the evolutionary history of organisms from microbes to animals, and the numerous molecular and populational concepts that explain the earth's dynamic evolution. Important Notice: The digital edition of this book is missing some of the images or content found in the physical edition.
The book is the first thorough study of the role of phosphorus chemistry in the origin of life. This book starts with depiction of the phosphorus role in life creation and evolution. Then it outlines in vital processes how different phosphorus-containing compounds participate as biomarker in life evolution. Written by renowned scientists, it is suitable for researchers and students in organic phosphorus chemistry, biochemistry and etc.
Discover the mind and body benefits of yantra yoga exercises, Buddhist wisdom, and Tibetan philosophy for a happier and healthier life. Allow the teachings of sacred Himalayan philosophy to improve your mind, body, and soul. These Tibetan rituals incorporate physical, mental, and spiritual exercises to open your mind and improve your overall health. Allow this guide to teach you the wisdom of the Five Rites, the theory of Tibetan yoga, and inspiring life advice from Tibetan lamas. Inside you’ll discover: The “Fountain of Youth” daily physical exercises The seven energy fields and vortexes of the body Deep rhythmic breathing techniques And much more! Perfect for the beginner, The Little Book of Tibetan Rites and Rituals will show you how to integrate ancient practices into your modern life.
Lists citations with abstracts for aerospace related reports obtained from world wide sources and announces documents that have recently been entered into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information Database.
This book is written for researchers and students interested in the function and role of chemical elements in biological or environmental systems. Experts have long known that the Periodic System of Elements (PSE) provides only an inadequate chemical description of elements of biological, environmental or medicinal importance. This book explores the notion of a Biological System of the Elements (BSE) established on accurate and precise multi-element data, including evolutionary aspects, representative sampling procedures, inter-element relationships, the physiological function of elements and uptake mechanisms. The book further explores the concept Stoichiometric Network Analysis (SNA) to analyze the biological roles of chemical species. Also discussed is the idea of ecotoxicological identity cards which give a first-hand description of properties relevant for biological and toxicological features of a certain chemical element and its geo biochemically plausible speciation form. The focus of this book goes beyond both classical bioinorganic chemistry and toxicology.
