The Chemistry of Biology: Basis and Origin of Evolution

The chemical basis of living organisms is essential for understanding biology. Chemistry provides information about the properties of elements and the interactions of compounds, explaining why carbon is dominant in biology, precious metals are not, phosphoric acid is a bridge in polynucleic acids, DNA evolved from RNA, D-glucose is central to building biopolymers, and the citrate cycle is self-contained. Biochemistry is a synthesis chemistry that differs from man-made synthesis chemistry in terms of the framework conditions. The theory of evolution has its roots in the underlying chemistry, and the book challenges a changed, biologically oriented didactics of chemistry in schools and universities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG

Living organisms are distinguished by their chemical basis, making knowledge of the properties of the elements and the interactions of the resulting compounds essential for understanding biology. Chemistry plays a crucial role in answering questions such as why carbon is the dominant element in biology, why precious metals like gold and silver do not play a significant role, and why specific compounds like phosphoric acid and DNA evolved from RNA. The periodic table (PSE) provides insights into these questions, explaining why phosphoric acid acts as a bridge in polynucleic acids and why DNA emerged from RNA. Additionally, chemistry explains why D-glucose is central to building biopolymers like cellulose and glycogen, as well as the logical self-containment of the citrate cycle.

Biochemistry, as a synthesis chemistry, differs from man-made synthesis chemistry only in terms of the framework conditions. Individuals are selected from the vast array of elements in the PSE and the almost infinite number of chemical compounds based on environmental factors such as moderate temperatures, atmospheric pressure, solvent water, and oxygen as the primary reaction partner. The book proposes that the theory of evolution, which is the guiding principle of modern biology, has its roots in the underlying chemistry. This perspective transforms Darwinism from a biological perspective to a chemical one, as chemical processes such as the effect of phenols as radical scavengers can explain biological phenomena that evolve over time.

The book offers a completely new, chemistry-centered view of animate nature and challenges the traditional didactics of chemistry in schools and universities. It emphasizes the importance of integrating chemistry into biology education to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the natural world. By understanding the chemical basis of life, scientists can unlock new insights into the origins and mechanisms of biological processes, leading to advancements in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 168 x 240 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783662665206
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023