Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres

期刊简介：The subject of the origin and early evolution of life is an inseparable part of the general discipline of Astrobiology. The journal Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres places special importance on the interconnection as well as the interdisciplinary nature of these fields, as is reflected in its subject coverage. While any scientific study which contributes to our understanding of the origins, evolution and distribution of life in the Universe is suitable for inclusion in the journal, some examples of important areas of interest are: prebiotic chemistry and the nature of Earth's early environment, self-replicating and self-organizing systems, the theory of the RNA world and of other possible precursor systems, and the problem of the origin of the genetic code. Early evolution of life - as revealed by such techniques as the elucidation of biochemical pathways, molecular phylogeny, the study of Precambrian sediments and fossils and of major innovations in microbial evolution - forms a second focus. As a larger and more general context for these areas, Astrobiology refers to the origin and evolution of life in a cosmic setting, and includes interstellar chemistry, planetary atmospheres and habitable zones, the organic chemistry of comets, meteorites, asteroids and other small bodies, biological adaptation to extreme environments, life detection and related areas. Experimental papers, theoretical articles and authorative literature reviews are all appropriate forms for submission to the journal. In the coming years, Astrobiology will play an even greater role in defining the journal's coverage and keeping Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres well-placed in this growing interdisciplinary field.

【译文】生命起源和早期演化的主题是天体生物学一般学科的不可分割的一部分。期刊《生命起源与生物圈演化》特别重视这些领域的相互联系以及跨学科性质，这在其主题覆盖范围中得到了体现。任何有助于我们理解宇宙中生命的起源、演化和分布的科学研究都适合发表在该期刊上，一些重要的研究领域示例包括：前生物化学和地球早期环境的性质、自我复制和自我组织系统、RNA世界和其他可能的先驱系统的理论，以及遗传密码起源的问题。通过阐明生化途径、分子系统发育、前寒武纪沉积物和化石的研究以及微生物演化的主要创新等技术的揭示，生命的早期演化构成了第二个重点。作为这些领域更广泛和更一般性的背景，天体生物学指的是在宇宙环境中生命的起源和演化，包括星际化学、行星大气和宜居带、彗星、陨石、小行星和其他小天体的有机化学、生物对极端环境的适应、生命探测及相关领域。实验论文、理论文章和权威文献综述都是适合提交给该期刊的适当形式。在未来几年中，天体生物学将在定义期刊覆盖范围和保持《生命起源与生物圈演化》在日益增长的跨学科领域中的地位方面发挥更大的作用。