of the material world. Let us only consider two of the classical examples
that are found in the literature.
Based on the properties of a great number of the chemical elements
and compounds to form whimsical crystals of a strictly defined structure
which can incorporate various molecules from their environment and grow
in size, they express the view that there exist metabolism and reproduction
in saturated sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions and in the frozen water drops
in frost and snow-flake formation. Here also belongs the case of the porous
platinum which comparatively easily degrades hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to
oxygen and water as a result of the uptake of substances, their
disintegration and release in the surroundings.
The analysis of the above-mentioned examples does not give grounds to
accept that these processes can qualify for the terms of “metabolism” and
“reproduction” from a biological point of view. They are only responsive to the
action of the laws of physics and chemistry thus substantially differing from the
processes immanent to living nature. Crystals no matter how enchanting in
shape and how various in structure are not living entities. And porous platinum
after an unlimited number of participations in the H₂O₂ degradation remains a
piece of lifeless metal preserving its initial weight unaltered.
It is necessary to remind the followers of the mechanistic interpretations
of the differences between living and non-living matter the views of
Zuckerkandl and Pauling (1965) that among all natural systems only living
matter is distinct for the fact that regardless of the numerous substantial
changes it has undergone, it contains the greatest amount of information
reflecting its history. This according to Berry and Jensen (1988) is
accomplished through the biochemical pathways. Genetic information
which can be most categorically called biological memory (having
reached its highest degree of development in man) is only inherent in living
nature with its amazing variety of forms.
Water (Fig. 1–4) lies at the basis of all bioprocesses. In most living
organisms it accounts for about 70—85%, reaching in some cases 98% of
their total weight. Water is a special natural compound. Designating it with
a capital letter Phales of Millet has said of it: “Water — this is the best there
is. Everything is begot from Water and everything more substantial is a
derivative of Water!” (cited by Kolyassnikov, 1993). The role of water in the
origination of life remains unclear till the present time of quantum chemistry
point of view.
Let us leave the problem of water genesis and its abundance on Earth
and why it is not present or is in scarce quantities on the other planets to
the geochemists and astrophysicists. The essential premise here is that
without water there is no life and it can be assumed as the main
prerequisite for its rise and development on our planet.