NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Water as a matrix for lifeLife is based on non-covalent interactions. They might be either specific (enzyme-substrate interactions, selective ion transport) or nonspecific (lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions needed for membrane integrity, fusion and division). Their strength needs to be properly tuned, and this is mediated by the solvent. If interactions are too weak, there might be undesired response to natural fluctuations of physical and chemical parameters. If they are too strong it could impede kinetics and energetics of cellular processes. Thus, the solvent must allow for balancing these interactions. Physical and chemical properties of solvent provide strong constraints for life. Water exhibits a remarkable trait that it promotes both solvophobic and solvophilic interactions. Solvophobic interactions; related to high dielectric constant of the solvent) are necessary for self-organization of matter whereas solvophilic interactions are needed to ensure solubility of polar species. Water offers a large temperature domain of stable liquid and the characteristics hydrophobic effects are a consequence of the temperature in sensitivity of essential properties of its liquid state. Water, however, is not the only liquid with these favorable properties. I will compare in detail properties of water and other pure liquids or their mixtures that have a high dielectric constant and simultaneously support self-organization. I will also discuss properties of water that are unfavorable to life (e.g. its chemical activity against polymerization reactions) and close with summarizing what are alternatives to water as a matrix of life in space.
Document ID
20060015638
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Pohorille, Andrew
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: Water as a matrix for life
Location: Honolulu, HI
Country: United States
Start Date: December 15, 2005
End Date: December 20, 2005
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available