Phosphorus and Life Chemistry

Author: Zhao Yufen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: The origin of life is one of the most intriguing scientific questions today. Whether nucleic acids or proteins came first is a major puzzle in the origin of life. This book introduces the evolutionary theory of co-origin of proteins and nucleic acids proposed by Chinese scholars for the first time, based on the N-phosphorylated amino acid self-assembly reaction. It elaborates on the central and dominant role of phosphorus in the process of life evolution, established on experimental foundations. The content of this book primarily summarizes the research achievements of the research team led by Academician Zhao Yufen over the past 20 years, focusing on phosphorylated amino acids, small peptides, nucleic acids, sugars, and phospholipids. It includes research methods and techniques, phenomena and conclusions, as well as the relevant research progress of domestic and international peers. This book offers significant insights for researchers and explorers into why nature chose α-amino acids as the backbone of proteins, the co-origin of nucleic acids and peptides, and the enzymatic hydrolysis mechanisms of nucleic acids. It can serve as a teaching reference for graduate students and upper-level undergraduate students in chemistry and biology departments of universities, as well as a reference for scientists engaged in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and organic chemistry research.