Discussing origins, including the Big Bang and the origin of the elements, this book provides evidence that the molecules of life are produced in outer space and how the SNAAP model purports to explain that origin. It is aimed at the upper undergraduate level, with mathematics associated with coupling the nuclear spins to the molecular chirality.

Creating the Molecules of Life discusses origins, including the Big Bang and the origin of the elements. With a complete presentation and explanation, this book provides evidence that the molecules of life are produced in outer space and how the SNAAP model purports to explain that origin. Extremophiles, which explain that evolution is robust enough to create life forms in a wide variety of conditions, are also presented. This book is suitable for those at the upper undergraduate level, with mathematics associated with coupling the nuclear spins to the molecular chirality. An accompanying appendix is provided to support mathematics.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: The Origin of the Lightest Elements

Chapter 3. Heavier Elements: The Chart of the Nuclides

Chapter 4. Creation and Detection of Molecules in the Interstellar Medium

Chapter 5. Amino Acids and Chirality

Chapter 6. Determining Molecular Properties by Quantum Molecular Calculations

Chapter 7. The SNAAP Model: Nature’s Way to Select Chiral Selectivity?

Chapter 8. Getting the amino acids into the Interstellar Medium

Chapter 9. Other Ways Scientists Have Explained Amino Acid Chirality

Chapter 10. Amino Acid Chirality and the Origin of Life

Appendix

Glossary