How Life Emerges from Inanimate Matter

This book describes how the phenomenon of life emerges gradually from the elements of inanimate matter. It shows that, first, this transition occurs in space, when we move from elementary particles and atoms, through molecules and their complexes, cells, tissues and organs to entire individuals. Second, this transition also happened (and is still happening) in time, during biological evolution, when the first living systems originated spontaneously from organic compounds and then evolved step by step through bacteria to plants, animals and us. Third, the embryonic development from a fertilized egg to an adult individual occurs both in space and time. This book is unique as it analyzes all three processes in terms of their physical, chemical, biochemical, thermodynamic, energetic, genetic, cellular, physiological, embryological, evolutionary and cybernetic aspects.