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The Limits of Organic Life in Planetary Systems, Paperback / softback Book

The Limits of Organic Life in Planetary Systems Paperback / softback

Paperback / softback

Available to Order - This title is available to order, with delivery expected within 2 weeks

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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 ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 Introduction2 A Sketch of the Chemistry Behind Known Carbon-based Life on Earth3 Pushing the Boundaries of Life4 Alternatives to Terran Biochemistry in Water5 Origin of Life6 Why Water?

Toward More Exotic Habitats7 Life Detection and Biomarkers8 Conclusions and RecommendationsAppendix A GlossaryAppendix B Biographies of Committee Members and Staff

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