Homochiral Symmetry Breaking in the Origin of Life

This book discusses the role of homochirality in the origin of life and how both aspects walk together alongside the evolutionary line. The author discusses homochiral symmetry breaking, exploring chiral forces, amino acid distribution in meteorites, notably the Murchison meteorite, and the origins of single chirality in biogenesis. The book also covers the homochirality of phospholipids, outlining autocatalytic models in biological homochirality and the intriguing phenomenon of mirror symmetry breaking in liquids. In this book, readers will find a critical analysis of preferential enrichment as a catalyst for homochirality emergence, seamlessly bridging the domains of systems chemistry and systems biology. The book further explores the factors influencing the homochirality of proteins, including their origin, structure, and biochemical function. In the final two chapters, the author provides forward-looking perspectives on symmetry breaking, evolution, and the link between cell chirality and left-right asymmetric morphogenesis. This book appeals to a broad audience from undergraduate to PhD students, and scientists and professionals working in different disciplines, including physics, mathematicians, chemists, synthetic biologists, astrobiologists and astronomers.