Systems Approach to Astrobiology

Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgment
Chapter 1 What is Astrobiology?
1.1 Definition of Astrobiology
1.2 Is Astrobiology a Discipline?
1.3 Astrobiology as a Field of Study
Chapter 2 Examples of Complex Problems in Astrobiology
Chapter 3 An Overview of the Systems Approach to the Understanding and Solving the Complex Problems Relevant to Astrobiology
3.1 Introduction
3.2 An Example of Previous Applications of the Systems Approach to Astrobiology
3.3 An Example of the Need for a Systems Approach in Astrobiology
3.4 Definition and Characteristics of a System, Systems Thinking, and Systems Analysis Method
3.4.1 Our Focus and a Brief Background
3.4.2 In-Depth Coverage
Chapter 4 Application of Systems Analysis to Defining Life
4.1 Introduction and an Overview of the Problem
4.2 Background on Definitions in General and Examples of Definitions of Life
4.3 Our Systems-Oriented Definition of Life
4.4 Life as a System vs. Robotic Systems: What Can We Learn From the Parallel with the Martian Rovers?
4.4.1 System Description and Classification
4.4.2 Power and Energy
4.4.3 Control and Data
4.4.4 Sensors
4.4.5 Structures and Mechanisms
4.4.6 Import-Export-Storage
4.4.7 Communications
4.4.8 Internal Environment
4.4.9 Mobility
4.4.10 Navigation
4.4.11 Reproduction
4.4.12 Defense
4.4.13 Interconnects
4.4.14 Boundary
4.4.15 Lessons Learned From Systems Engineering
4.4.16 Optimization
4.4.17 Operations
4.4.18 Distributed vs Integrated Subsystems
4.4.19 Testing
4.4.20 Operating Modes
4.4.21 Perturbations and Stability
4.4.22 System Characterization and Knowledge
4.4.23 Understanding the System
4.4.24 Payloads
4.4.25 Discipline for Engineering Development
4.5 Are There Functions in the Human Body Analogous to Engineering Functions?
4.5.1 Classical System Description of Humans by Physiologists
4.5.2 Power and Energy
4.5.3 Control and Data
4.5.4 Sensors
4.5.5 Structures and Mechanisms
4.5.6 Import-Export-Storage
4.5.7 Communications
4.5.8 Internal Environment
4.5.9 Mobility
4.5.10 Navigation
4.5.11 Reproduction
4.5.12 Defense
4.5.13 Interconnects
4.5.14 Boundary
4.5.15 Synopsis
Chapter 5 Systems Chemistry
5.1 Introduction and Background
5.2 Definitions and the Scope of Systems Chemistry
5.3 Systems Chemistry as Relevant for Astrobiology
Chapter 6 Prebiotic Chemistry
6.1 Introduction and Background
6.2 Prebiotic Chemistry as an Experimental Science
6.2.1 Prebiotic Syntheses of Nucleotides
6.2.2 Multi-step Linear and Convergent Syntheses in Regular and Prebiotic Chemistry
6.2.3 Systems Chemistry Approach Toward Building Chemical Novelty in Prebiotic Chemical Systems
6.3 Prebiotic Systems Chemistry
Chapter 7 Systems Approach to Prebiotic Chemical Evolution That Led to Life
7.1 Background on Chemical Evolution
7.2 Chemical Evolution That Led to Life
7.3 Survivability, Sustainability, and Longevity of Chemicals During Prebiotic Chemical Evolution That Led to Life
7.4 Chemical Evolution in Different Prebiotic Media and Energy Sources
7.5 Emergence of Autocatalytic Cycles
7.6 Chemical Evolution That Led to Life: Macrobiont as a Cradle for Life
7.6.1 Description of Exemplar Macrobiont
7.6.2 Power and Energy
7.6.3 Control and Data
7.6.4 Sensors
7.6.5 Structures and Mechanisms
7.6.6 Import-Export-Storage
7.6.7 Communications
7.6.8 Internal Environment
7.6.9 Mobility
7.6.10 Navigation
7.6.11 Reproduction
7.6.12 Defense
7.6.13 Interconnects
7.6.14 Boundary
7.6.15 Summary
Chapter 8 Systems Approach to the Origin of Life, Including Abiotic-to-Biotic (a-2-b) Transition
8.1 Selected Approaches for Studying the Origin of Life
8.2 Abiotic-to-Biotic (a-2-b) Transition
8.2.1 An Overview of the Problem of the a-2-b Transition
8.3 Selected Proposals for the Abiotic-to-Biotic (a-2-b) Transition
8.3.1 Introduction
8.3.2 Thresholds in the Emergence of Life
8.3.3 Quantity-to-Quality (q-2-q) Model for the Abiotic-to-Biotic (a-2-b) Transition
8.3.4 On the Nature of the Abiotic-to-Biotic (a-2-b) Transition
Chapter 9 Systems Biology and its Relevance to Prebiotic Chemical Systems That Led to Life
9.1 Introduction and a Brief Background
9.2 Systems Biology Features That Need to Be Established in the Prebiotic Chemical Systems to Enable the Emergence of Life
9.3 Systems Biology and the Origins of Life
9.3.1 Ricard's Definition of Life
9.3.2 Some Examples of Ricard's Work
9.3.3 A Comprehensive List of Topics within the General Subject of System Biology and the Origins of Life by Ricard
Chapter 10 Application of Systems Analysis to Additional Complex Astrobiology Problems
10.1 Consideration of the Virus-Host System. Are Viruses Alive or Not?
10.1.1 Introduction and Objectives
10.1.2 A Brief Background on Viruses
Chapter 11 Transport of Life Between Planets
11.1 History of the Panspermia Concept
11.2 Planetary System Transfers
11.2.1 Possible Panspermia Between Mars and Earth
11.2.2 Power and Energy
11.2.3 Control and Data
11.2.4 Sensors
11.2.5 Structures and Mechanisms
11.2.6 Import-Export-Storage
11.2.7 Communications
11.2.8 Internal Environment
11.2.9 Mobility
11.2.10 Navigation
11.2.11 Reproduction
11.2.12 Defense
11.2.13 Interconnects
11.2.14 Boundary
11.3 Mars-to-Earth Lithopanspermia
11.4 Interstellar Panspermia
11.4.1 Interstellar Communications of Intelligence
Chapter 12 Retrospective on the General Applicability of Our System Functional Block Diagram
References
Index