Why is all life based on carbon?

  • Thread starter flyingpig
  • Start date
In summary, non-carbon based lifeforms are living organisms that are not primarily composed of carbon and may instead be made up of elements like silicon or nitrogen. There is currently no evidence of non-carbon based lifeforms existing on Earth, as carbon is readily available and the basis for organic molecules. While there are no confirmed examples of non-carbon based lifeforms, there have been hypotheses and speculations about their potential existence on other planets or in extreme environments. These lifeforms would differ from carbon-based lifeforms in their chemical makeup and biological processes, potentially using different elements for energy production and having different building blocks for their cells and genetic material. It is theoretically possible that non-carbon based lifeforms could be more advanced than carbon-based life
  • #1
flyingpig
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Homework Statement



I have no real experience in biology, so forgive me.

Why exactly are all life carbon based? What's so special about carbon?

Are there lifeforms where they don't need water to live?

I've heard about lifeforms on asteroid that are silicon based, is that true?
 
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  • #2

1. What are non-carbon based lifeforms?

Non-carbon based lifeforms are living organisms that are not composed primarily of carbon. Instead, they may be composed of elements such as silicon, nitrogen, or sulfur.

2. Can non-carbon based lifeforms exist on Earth?

Currently, there is no evidence of non-carbon based lifeforms existing on Earth. This is because carbon is the basis for organic molecules and is readily available on our planet.

3. Are there any examples of non-carbon based lifeforms?

There are no confirmed examples of non-carbon based lifeforms, but there have been hypotheses and speculations about potential forms of life on other planets or in extreme environments that may not rely on carbon.

4. How would non-carbon based lifeforms differ from carbon-based lifeforms?

Non-carbon based lifeforms would differ in their chemical makeup and biological processes. For example, they may use different elements for energy production and have different building blocks for their cells and genetic material.

5. Could non-carbon based lifeforms be more advanced than carbon-based lifeforms?

It is theoretically possible that non-carbon based lifeforms could be more advanced than carbon-based lifeforms, but there is no evidence to support this idea. The evolution and development of life is a complex process and it is difficult to predict the potential capabilities of non-carbon based lifeforms.

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