Assembling Life

In Assembling Life, David Deamer covers some of the most important topics in life-origins research. For example, how did nonliving organic molecules come together to generate the first forms of cellular life? What was their source, and what sources of energy could have sparked their development? Was the process more likely to have occurred in the ocean or in fresh water on land? Is it possible that life began on Mars? The book not only outlines some of his findings but also explains why freshwater hot springs are a viable alternative to saltwater as a place where life might have begun. Deamer discusses his research into organic chemicals that may have been present in the primordial environment, as well as the volcanic circumstances that might drive chemical development toward the birth of life. He also analyzes whether life might have originated elsewhere in our solar system.