On the role of the molecular recognition principles in astrobiology

Vera M. Kolb

doi:10.1117/12.2021542

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26 September 2013 On the role of the molecular recognition principles in astrobiology

Vera M. Kolb

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Proceedings Volume 8865, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XVI; 88650C (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2021542
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2013, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Principles of molecular recognition, which include both intra- and inter-molecular noncovalent interactions, guide twoand three-dimensional organization of molecules which is critical for functioning and evolution of life. In this paper we review the importance of the noncovalent interactions in the genetic systems with an emphasis on the ionic interactions. We review the most recent work on the metal- RNA interactions, which shows how such interactions were intimately connected with the environment on the early Earth. We also bring up the proposals by others of the requirements for the extraterrestrial genetic systems which are not based on RNA or DNA. Such systems would utilize the available noncovalent interactions for their stabilization and molecular recognition in general in a manner which could be different than that on the Earth.

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Vera M. Kolb "On the role of the molecular recognition principles in astrobiology", Proc. SPIE 8865, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XVI, 88650C (26 September 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2021542

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