Biomaterial Database

Life and chirality beyond the earth. 1975

W Thiemann

An attempt is made to show that the phenomenon of chirality- of which optical activity is but one consequence- is by no means restricted to life on Earth, but is common throughout the universe. Several independent sources have been investigated including: statistical fluctuations; stereoselective physical factors; and energetic differences between enantiomeric molecules. It is emphasised that a search for chirality as an indicator for life elsewhere in space provides an excellent tool for the fascinating question of exobiology. Still one must be aware of the limitations of the experimental methods and their interpretations.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009904	Optical Rotation	The rotation of linearly polarized light as it passes through various media.	Optical Activity,Activity, Optical,Rotation, Optical
D005118	Extraterrestrial Environment	The environment outside the earth or its atmosphere. The environment may refer to a closed cabin (such as a space shuttle or space station) or to space itself, the moon, or other planets.	Space (Astronomy),Environment, Extraterrestrial,Environments, Extraterrestrial,Extraterrestrial Environments,Spaces (Astronomy)
D013237	Stereoisomerism	The phenomenon whereby compounds whose molecules have the same number and kind of atoms and the same atomic arrangement, but differ in their spatial relationships. (From McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 5th ed)	Molecular Stereochemistry,Stereoisomers,Stereochemistry, Molecular,Stereoisomer
D013816	Thermodynamics	A rigorously mathematical analysis of energy relationships (heat, work, temperature, and equilibrium). It describes systems whose states are determined by thermal parameters, such as temperature, in addition to mechanical and electromagnetic parameters. (From Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 12th ed)	Thermodynamic