| Speaker: |
Michael Russell |
| From: |
Planetary Science, JPL, California Institute of Technology |
| Title: |
Why does life start, what does it do, where will it be? |
| Type: |
Metiu, host Seminar |
| Date: |
11/02/09 |
| Time: |
12:30 pm |
| Location: |
Chem 1005D |
| Abstract: |
Why does life start, what does it do, where will it be?
Michael J. Russell
Planetary Science, JPL, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109
Life is driven into being by the tension between the ancient carbon dioxide atmosphere and hydrogen at submarine alkaline springs. It is helped into being by transition metal sulfides, nitrogen compounds and phosphate. Life synthesizes a small but ever-renewed stock of organic molecules and generates various waste products in the process such as methane, acetate and eventually oxygen. It will occur on any sunny, wet, rocky planet.
Russell, M.J. 2006, First life. American Scientist, 94, 32-39.
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