Artigo
Origens da vida
Fecha
2007-01-01Registro en:
Estudos Avancados, v. 21, n. 59, p. 263-284, 2007.
0103-4014
1806-9592
10.1590/S0103-40142007000100022
S0103-40142007000100022
2-s2.0-34249780557
2-s2.0-34249780557.pdf
Autor
Universidade de São Paulo (USP)
Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)
Resumen
We present a historical perspective about the ideas concerning the origin of life. After displaying the main topics necessary for understanding life's origin, the main characteristics of the present life forms and their relationships are shown, suggesting a common ancestor. The conditions for prebiotic chemistry in terrestrial or interplanetary environments are reviewed. We put in context the arguments about the early origin of replicators versus metabolism. The very narrow window for life settlement in the early Earth is stressed, pointing to the likelihood of life arising in other places in the Universe. Finally, we present the cornerstones of current search for life outside our planet.