Chemical Evolution: Structure and Model of the First Cell: Conference on the Structure and Model of the First Cell (ICTP) held in Trieste, Italy, 29 August–2 September 1994. This item is unavailable.Chemical Evolution: Structure and Model of the First Cell: Conference on the Structure and Model of the First Cell (ICTP) held in Trieste, Italy, 29 August–2 September 1994

This interdisciplinary book consists of the proceedings of the Alexander Ivanovich Oparin lOOth Anniversary Conference, The Third Trieste Conference on Chemical Evolution, which took place at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics from 29 August till 2 September, 1994. A general overview of Oparin's life and work is followed by a review of Alfonso Herera, another pioneer in the studies of the origin of life. The subject matter is organized in ten sections corresponding to various aspects of our current understanding of the subject that was initiated by Oparin. These subjects were covered by fifty three speakers. There were sixty seven participants from a wide geographical distribution; twenty seven countries were represented. We have included the invited lecture of Professor Igor Kulaev, who was unable to be present at the conference for reasons beyond his control. The conference was generously supported by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, the Commission of the European Communities, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, the International Centre for Science and High Technology, and UNESCO. Cyril Ponnamperuma, University of Maryland, U.S.A. Julian Chela-Flores, ICTP, Italy, and IDEA, Venezuela. xi FOREWORD As this volume was going to press we learnt of the untimely death of Cyril Ponnamperuma who died of cardiac arrest on December 20, 1994.

A review and evaluation of the rapid evolution of theoretical and empirical knowledge in the interdisciplinary study of the origins of life. With 35 contributions authored by 95 scientists, the text discusses many aspects of the origin of the first cell: exobiology in the solar system and beyond; the early paleontological record; physical, chemical, biological and informational aspects of the origin; and structure of the membrane and the cell itself.