The book is the first thorough study of the role of phosphorus chemistry in the origin of life. This book starts with depiction of the phosphorus role in life creation and evolution. Then it outlines in vital processes how different phosphorus-containing compounds participate as biomarker in life evolution. Written by renowned scientists, it is suitable for researchers and students in organic phosphorus chemistry, biochemistry and etc.

• Foreword 6
• Preface I 8
• Preface II 10
• Contents 12
• 1. The international background of the origin of life 18
• 2. Why nature chose α-amino acids? 36
• 3. N-Phosphoryl amino acids – models for P–N bonds in prebiotic chemical evolution 52
• 4. Nucleoside-protein coevolution and the origin of genetic code 70
• 5. The phosphoryl transfer reactions of phosphoryl amino acids 84
• 6. The research progress of chiral pentacoordinate spirophosphoranes with bis-α-amino acid bonds 98
• 7. A new theoretical model for the origin of amino acid homochirality 116
• 8. N-Phosphoryl amino acids and the origin of cell membranes 126
• 9. The potential evolution prototype of modern enzyme: Discovery of seryl–histidine dipeptide and its function 142
• 10. The interaction between ATP and amino acids 158
• 11. Marine and the origin of life 174