Life at the Common Denominator: Mechanistic and Quantitative Biology for Earth and Space Sciences

Explore the intersection of biology, earth sciences, and space exploration in this AGU Fall Meeting 2009 Sagan Lecture. Delve into the fundamental principles of life, from energy requirements to environmental factors, as NASA Ames Research Center's Tori Hoehler presents "Life at the Common Denominator: Mechanistic and Quantitative Biology for the Earth and Space Sciences." Trace the scientific journey from Galileo and Kepler to modern space missions, examining the potential for life beyond Earth. Investigate the discrete minimum requirements for life, energy production in biological systems, and the concept of habitability. Analyze case studies such as methane plumes, serpentinization, and the Lost City hydrothermal field to understand the application of these principles. Gain insights into habitability conceptual models, supply-side considerations, and the relationship between various environmental factors. Conclude with a reflection on the next steps in this interdisciplinary field and its implications for our understanding of life in the universe.

Introduction
Carl Sagan
Galileo and Kepler
Voyager 1 and 2
Kepler
Darwin
Convergence
Shared Challenges
Potential of Life
Why Does Life Need Energy
Production of Unfavorable Species
Life on Earth
Discrete Minimum Requirements
Environmental Factors
Power
Energy
Energy in the System
Generalized View
Free Energy Yield
Multiple Compounds
Habitability
Methane plumes
Serpentinization
Lost City
Habitability Conceptual Model
Supply Side
Model
Two plots
Relationship
pH
First example
Second example
Next steps
Quote
Conclusion