The course aims to lead students of "Planetary science and space exploration course" through a path that starts from the basic molecules of living matter on Earth up to the functional study of the basic mechanisms of life processes for adaptations in extraordinary environments. The priority educational objectives are the understanding of the interaction and the function of the molecules that emerge as living matter and the possible adaptive scenarios in extreme conditions such as anoxia/hypoxia/hyperoxia, microgravity/hypobaria/hyperbaria. During the course, topics of applied research will also be explored, useful for the student to understand which mechanisms and functions might be the necessary and/or subsidiary for living organisms and to be paid attention to in Astrobiology.