Genesis: The Scientific Quest for Life's Origin

by Robert M. Hazen

Life on Earth arose nearly 4 billion years ago, bursting forth from air, water, and rock. Though the process obeyed all the rules of chemistry and physics, the details of that original event pose as deep a mystery as any facing science. How did non-living chemicals become alive? While the question is (deceivingly) simple, the answers are unquestionably complex. Science inevitably plays a key role in any discussion of life's origins, dealing less with the question of why life appeared on Earth than with where, when, and how it emerged on the blasted, barren face of our primitive planet. Astrobiologist Robert Hazen has spent many years dealing with the fundamental questions of life's genesis. As an active research scientist, he is down deep in all the messy details that science has to offer on the subject, tracing the inexorable sequence of events that led to the complicated interactions of carbonbased molecules. As he takes us through the astounding process of emergence, we are witness to the first tentative steps toward life?from the unfathomable abundance of carbon biomolecules synthesized in the black vacuum of space to the surface of the Earth to deep within our planet's restless crust. We are privy to the breathtaking drama that rapidly unfolds as life prevails. The theory of emergence is poised to answer a multitude of questions?even as it raises the possibility that natural processes exist beyond what we now know, perhaps beyond what we even comprehend. Genesis tells the tale of transforming scientific advances in our quest for life's origins. Written with grace, beauty, and authority, it goes directly to the heart of who we are and why we are here.

Genres: Science, Biology, Evolution, Nonfiction, Chemistry, Popular Science, Genetics

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Robert M. Hazen, Senior Research Scientist at the Carnegie Institution of Washington’s Geophysical Laboratory and the Clarence Robinson Professor of Earth Science at George Mason University, received the B.S. and S.M. in geology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1971), and the Ph.D. at Harvard University in earth science (1975). The Past President of the Mineralogical Society of America, Hazen’s recent research focuses on the possible roles of minerals in the origin of life. He is also Principal Investigator of the Deep Carbon Observatory.

Reviews

[David Rubenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engrossing book about how scientists are trying to answer the question, how did life begin? Robert Hazen is an active scientist in the fields of mineralogy and astrobiology. However, most of the book is about chemistry, both inorganic and organic.

Emergence is a theme that extends throughout the book. Emergence is the development of complex patterns out of a simple background. Life is not just an emergent process--it is a hierarchy of multiple emergent processes that build one on top of another. Emergence is fundamental to the origin of life.

The most enjoyable aspect of this book is the descriptions of detective work in the laboratory. Some of the author's laboratory experiments are described in detail, and are at times engrossing. The author's writing style is a very nice blend of casual and informative, and sometimes humorous. For example, he writes,

Hat banged away at the unwieldy wrench, making a horrendous racket as he tightened the nut just a bit more for safety. "It's always good to make a lot noise in the lab," he said. "That way the director will know you're working."

There are lots of hypotheses and theories about the origin of life, and therefore lots of controversies. Many scientists have sorted themselves into various camps; those who believe in the "primordial soup" on the earth's surface, those who believe in life originating near super-heated vents on the ocean's bottom, or deep in the earth's interior, or even pre-biotic chemicals arriving on meteorites. There is also a lot of controversy among scientists concerning sort of a "chicken and the egg" problem; which came first, metabolism or genetics--or did they develop simultaneously?

One of the fascinating theories described in the book is the idea first advanced by Thomas Gold in 1977. Hydrocarbons exist in the earth's mantle, and since they are lighter than the surrounding rocks, they slowly rise toward the surface. They constantly refill petroleum reservoirs. Thus, oil is a renewable source of energy! Obviously, this is a controversial theory, but it is testable. The test was to drill an oil well in solid granite, where geologists would least expect oil to be found. Such an oil well was drilled, and just barely enough oil was found to keep the theory alive, but still unproven.

Another fascinating topic discussed in the book is the "chirality" of sugars and proteins in living organisms. Sugar molecules in living organisms are "right-handed," and amino acids are "left-handed". Exactly why and how life developed this way is a mystery. Pre-biotic processes should develop sugars and amino acids with a 50-50 mixture of left and right handedness. Why did life select only one of these? Hazen describes some experiments that he performed, trying to solve this mystery.

This is an enjoyable book to read--it has some technical jargon, but not too much. It is written authoritatively by a researcher who is deeply invested in the subject. The book contains a nice blend of theory, experiment, the stories of the scientists who are engaged in the field, and background on the many controversies that fill the topic. The field is still in its infancy--there is a long road ahead for understanding the origins of life.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suppose I should write a review for this book since I see one is desperately needed!

Genesis is a very accessible introduction to the main theories of abiogenesis. Hazen's background is in geology, so needless to say the book tends to focus on minerals' role in the formation of life on Earth, but he provides a decent overview of all major emergence theories with very little bias. The books starts at the very beginning with the formation of complex molecules and ends with the RNA-world theory (which he doesn't really go into.) The bulk of the book focuses on the area in between, the emergence of metabolism and self-replicating systems from prebiotic chemicals and how these process possibly came together.

Genesis is one of those rare popular science books that is understandable to even the most scientifically illiterate, without feeling dumbed down for those already familiar with the subject. Perhaps some of the sections describing his experiments are a bit dry but overall this was certainly the best science book I've read this year and answered many of my question regarding the origins of life.

In fact this book was so accessible it made me mad because the people who would most benefit from this book won't read it. Like my evolution-denying friend (the one who once said "if evolution is true why can't trees talk?) I've pimped this book relentlessly since it not only answers the bulk of the questions he's put to me during our drunken debates but does so in a manner far less hostile than I'm capable of. Of course he'll never read it but I'm sure all my GR buddies will love it.

[Mohammad Al Refaei · Rating 4 out of 5]

كيف نشأت الحياة؟
ربما كان هذا أحد أصعب وأقدم الأسئلة التي طرحتها البشرية وبل ربما أحد أكثرها عمقاً لما لإجابته -بل ورحلة الإجابة عنه-من تأثيرات على مختلف مناحي الأفكار التي أنتجها المجتمع البشري..
الكتاب يحاول الإجابة عن هذا السؤال وهو غني بالكثير من الأفكار العلمية القيمة المشروحة بشكل بسيط وجذاب دون إخلال.
ربما كان العيب الوحيد فيه أنه لم يجب كما يجب عن سؤال في غاية الأهمية يخص الحديث عن نشأة الحياة: هل من الممكن أن تنشأ المعلومات من الفوضى؟

رغم ذلك، ورغم أن الكتاب قديم نسبياً، إلا أنه كتاب ذو قيمة عالية وأنصح به لكل من يريد أن يطلع بشكل واسع (نسبةً لشخص غير مختص) على مشكلة أصل الحياة.

[Ramon van Dam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly fascinating and engrossing book about the science behind the search for how life could have emerged on earth. The author is one of the leading scientists working on the subject, which makes this largely a first-hand experience.

There are some early chapters that go quite deep into the chemical side of things which might scare some people away, but I'd urge all readers to stick with it. The book is quite diverse for the narrow subject matter and Hazen is an excellent teacher.

I also really appreciated two interludes, where he gives some thought to two difficult subjects that he could have left out to make it easier on himself; the differences (and similarities!) between the theories presented here and religious origin stories, and the fact that women seem to play a really small role in the field.

I first came across the idea of self-replicating molecules that might have kickstarted life on our planet in one in Richard Dawkins' books, but did not anticipate it being this interesting. Highly recommended.

[Ricardo Moreno Mauro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro muy bueno que cuanta las distinta hipótesis acerca del origen de la vida en la tierra. El autor describe no solo las hipótesis, sino que también como se originaron algunas hipótesis, y las interacciones humanas, los desafíos, alegrías y descepciones al probar algunas ideas, mientras otras no dieron resultados.
Muy, muy recomendable.

[Angus Mcfarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Minerals to the rescue...clay is the answer" - now that is my kind of book. It is not very often that I read a book from someone as close to my professional field of expertise as this (he is a mineralogist which is close to whatever I am - I'm still working that out). We may have even met at one point. However, I don't think my enjoyment of this book was due to my familiarity with some of the author's science - I think it is written in a way that would enable a broad audience to engage with what is a fascinating question: how did life emerge from mere chemistry?

The book covers three broad topics regarding emergence of pre-cellular life: how did bio molecules such as amino acids form; how did macromolecules form; how did replication begin. We have some clues, especially in the latter case, by working backwards from what we currently know about dna, etc. In the former cases though, a more bottom up approach is needed in order to work out how, and indeed whether plausible reactions could take place to generate the organic materials now so familiar in living organisms. Hazen has been personally involved in some of these experiments, looking in particular at the hydrothermal origins hypothesis, making the personal reflections a nice addition. Likewise, his descriptions of the experimental a methods and fancy equipment are authentic and do not suffer from the patronizing over-simplification many popular science writers employ to pamper their audience.

Despite the huge advances made in organic geochemistry (I had the opportunity to visit a local lab while I was reading this to discuss their investigations as they relate to ore formation), I get the impression there are still many unsolved questions in this field. Hence, it makes good reading, as it allows me to ponder my own questions - such as whether DNA is the only option for replication and life. As with a recent read on mitochondria, the mere existence of advanced life, whether by accident or design, is remarkable and humbling.

Further to the compelling topic, the book is written in a compelling style - if you've got this far in my review you should not hesitate to give the book a read also!

[Anup Sinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The topic is most intriguing to me and I am fond of Bob Hazen as a lecturer through The Great Courses Plus program. I, however, am an armchair scientist and so much of it went over my head as there's an emphasis on lab and research process. I enjoyed the beginning of the book more than, perhaps, the second half just because it was more about theory and generalities that I could understand before it got bogged down by details and procedure. So I ended up skimming across long swaths of the book as I went on. I still thoroughly enjoyed much of it; the different theories about how life began be it by abiogenesis, metabolism-first, or replication-first was quite informative and interesting to me.

It's fairly hardcore so I recommend for real serious readers of the topic.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

PAH World PAH Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons form stacks which when functionalized adding OH groups to periphery the A,G, C, U of RNA bases could bind at the edge of the stacks and being held close together could polymerize. Nick Platts came up with PAH role in abiogenesis.
Gunter Wachtershauser- Metabolism came first. It was the first self-replicatiing molecules. Look at the Krebs cycle. And it was catalyzed by minerals containing Mg S Fe and notice how their role in catalysis of enzymes is preserved. He argues that abiogenesis could not start with jus a random supply of subunits in the chemical soup. It had to include generation of its own precursor molecules. D
Life started with self-replicating genetic molecules like RNA. Look at their enzymatic catalytic actions. TNA based on treose sugar molecules may have been the first replicating genetic building blocks. And these may have been encased in a lipid capsule. But experiments demonstrating plausible prebiotic synthesis of genetic polymers do not exist. There is this missing link between prebiotic and self replication.
In living systems- Amino acids are all L-variants. Sugars are all D-variants. How could this selective nature have occurred? Proposed that right and left handed mineral surfaces can favor generation of these specific isome types. Prebiotic genesis of such building blocks always generates equal mixes of D- and L- isomers.
Murchison Meteor and ALH80001 Alan Hills meteor from Mars are studies of prebiotic chemistry.

[Steve Van Slyke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. My only regret is that I only recently discovered it. Wish I'd read it when it first came out.

An alternate subtitle could have been: "War of the Worlds" as the author takes the reader on a journey through the competing theories of the origin of life on Earth. There is the Iron-Sulfide World, The Lipid World, the Thiolester World, the RNA World, the PAH World; the "Ventists" vs. the "Tide Poolists"; the Metabolizers vs. the Gene Machines, etc. Regardless, of which theory one favors, the comparisons are fascinating.

In the last 50 years the number of origin of life researchers has exploded and the theories and discoveries are coming fast and furious. In some ways, they (including the author) must be having some of the same feelings that Darwin had as he came closer and closer to piecing together his Theory of Natural Selection to explain evolution. He was torn between wanting to make sure he had it right on one hand, and the fear of being beaten to the finish by someone else on the other, as was nearly the case with Alfred Russell Wallace.

For anyone interested in fantastic overview of origins research, I highly recommend this book.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazen is simply terrific. This is an engaging book about the process of scientific inquiry. His enthusiasm for discovery is palpable on every page. Incredibly, I can't wait to learn more about chemistry! And the Epilogue is a surprising treat, a brief heartfelt philosophical essay on the potency of human intention and kindness. Check this out this beautiful closing passage, in a book about SCIENCE, no less:

"This dramatic contrast provides a metaphor for our own lives. Some people choose the paths of hate, war, intolerance, destruction, and chaos to hasten the triumph of entropy -- the dark side of the universe. By contrast, most people use their energies to foster emergence -- to build cities, feed the hungry, create art, heal the sick, promote peace, and add to human joy and well-being in countless other ways, both large and small.

What awesome power each of us holds to do good or ill; a single cutting insult, a single winning smile. Perhaps therein lies life's meaning and value."

Read this book and winning smiles are bound to follow.

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent account of - as the title proclaims - the scientific quest for life's origins. Perhaps too detailed for me, I dont need to learn the personal history of each scientist. All in all an up to date book about trying to understand how life got started on our precious planet.

[Ben Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

all about what we know about organic molecules somehow turning into life...fascinating

[Ron Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5.

[Arvind Balasundaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

While several books have been written on the topic of evolution, very few have dealt head-on with the issue of the origin of life on our planet, a necessary precursor to natural selection and of evolution itself. As Carl Sagan elegantly summarized in 1961: "It is evident that once a self-replicating, mutating molecular aggregate arose, Darwinian natural selection became possible and the origin of life can be dated from this event. Unfortunately, it is this event about which we know the least."

In this splendid thesis, minerals expert and exobiologist, Robert Hazen, takes on this difficult task. Early in the book, he establishes the notion of "emergence" as a necessary corollary to "entropy". The second law of thermodynamics states that entropy (and consequently, the disorder in the universe) must increase. But how, Hazen asks, does the astonishing level of emergent complexity also arise amidst this constant state of flux?

In addressing this question, Hazen brings to the fore the science of emergence - how do complex systems develop, and how do they display novel collective behaviors based on the interactions of fundamentally dissimilar components? He traces several lines of scientific investigation that attempt to explore how our planet may have progressed from non-life to the first living cell. How did basic chemical elements like hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen ultimately form complicated sugars, proteins, amino acids, and eventually complex nucleotides like RNA and DNA that ultimately established a human footprint in the evolution story? How did lipids and cell membranes form, thus enabling the first structures to regulate drastically different environments inside and outside a cell, thereby helping establish some semblance of order between wildly different acidic and alkaline states that dominated early earth? Did this happen spontaneously or was it dependent on the prebiotic soup of chemical elements that existed billions of years ago before life formed? Did life need the vast oxygen at the surface, or did it originate in the hydrothermal vents deep in the ocean's crust? What came first - genetics or metabolism, did molecules first learn to self-replicate and then generate energy for survival, or the other way around?

This is a marvelous work of science, a dazzling account of a cadre of scientists tackling one of the most profound questions about our existence, and in a manner that is entirely Popperian (i.e. a theory must make testable predictions that might be proved false by empirical tests). Hazen uncovers the world of the primordial, and does it with a verve that almost makes the reader yearn to get into a submersible to go collect prehistoric Archea samples from a deep-ocean volcanic vent for some origin-of-life hypotheis testing of their own.

One comes away wondering whether the simultaneous existence of entropy and emergence on our planet is the reason why so many religions like those of the Book as well as the Eastern faiths like Hinduism represent Godhead as simultaneously a Creator and Destroyer? Go figure, and while pondering, don't miss this wild excursion of 250-odd pages...

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good overview. A little dated by now (2017).

[Feisty Harriet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I bit off a little more than I could chew with this one. There is a LOT of chemistry in this book, and my 10th grade non-honors, non-AP class was not nearly enough for me to easily follow most of the chemical reactions, processes, and names of derivatives of elements, atoms, etc. Honestly, lots of this went over my head. However, after skimming a few paragraphs that I just couldn't understand, I did come across some fantastic gems that seem to be written more for a lay audience. Hazen is arguing for what process generated the first living one-cell organisms...and/or the amino acids that those organisms require...and/or the process of metabolism that supports those acids, etc etc etc. Some of the experiments that Hazen describes are fascinating, and the stuff that scientists are able to determine in both a tiny test tube, and by studying millions and millions of years old fossils and samples is absolutely astounding. If you are a science nerd or an armchair chemist, I think you might actually really enjoy this book. (I liked it, but also felt like I needed to enroll in a basic Organic Chemistry course and then re-read.)

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book is ten years old it has a lot of information that seems like it would still be valuable, and it's the only book about origins of life research that I have come across. I really like how this book includes a wide variety of theories, information about procedures in the lab, and personal stories about the scientists. It covers many different interesting topics such as emergence of complexity, chirality, and roles minerals may have played in the origins of life. It took me a while to get through this book, but the knowledge I gained from it was worth the effort.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the process of re-reading carefully.

What i like is that Hazen is exploring Chemistry at the origins of life from all possible angles, under all possible conditions, not just the usual laboratory aqueous chemistry. He shot a bullet full of organic molecules at a wall to see what reactions would happen under those temperatures and pressures. Life like chemistry might have happened in all sorts of unlikely places.

touching obituary for Stephen J. Gould also.

We're getting there

[Christopher Mcilroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book surveying the varied and diverse theories as to how life arose on Earth. While the author, himself a noted astrobiologist, has his own inclinations, he is remarkably fair-minded towards all. While the book is densely layered with ideas and themes, it achieves the pacing and suspense of a novel; it is a genuine page-turner.

[Sasha Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a paper I wrote in an evolutionary biology class. it is extremely well done, and reading it honesty changed my perspective on most things science. it is an accessible book, and broad range of people could enjoy it. good reads suggested I read it - showing how well it "knows" me, or my taste in books anyways.

[Shiloh]

"Barring divine intervention, life must have emerged by a natural process--one fully consistent with the laws of chemistry and physics." Why do we always have to rule out one to consider the other? So boring...

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abiogenesis is a fascinating field of study due to the many tantalizing clues on how self replication, and eventually life, began. Mr. Hazen covers the leading avenues of study in a highly accessible and enjoyable manner.

[H M Al amin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book I must say. If anyone are interested to now about the genetics, it will be a good choice. I read it as my academics book. Those who all are students of life science, its a must read book for them.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding (although somewhat technical) compilation of Origins of Life research.

[J.R. Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

great

[Chelle]

Read for intro to biochemistry.

[Jerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way about my knowledge of the subject, just hope I retained a little of it. Very interesting subject.