Chemistry of alternative life forms

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SUMMARY

This discussion explores the potential for alternative life forms on other planets, emphasizing that oxygen is not a prerequisite for life. It highlights two key concepts: energy generation through combustion in gases other than oxygen, such as fluorine, and the possibility of silicon-based life forms, leveraging silanes that can form polymers. The conversation underscores that life can thrive in diverse atmospheric conditions, as evidenced by early microorganisms that existed before the rise of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of biochemical energy generation processes
  • Knowledge of alternative chemical elements, specifically fluorine and silicon
  • Familiarity with polymer chemistry, particularly silanes
  • Basic concepts of microbial life and atmospheric evolution
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of fluorine in potential energy generation for extraterrestrial life
  • Investigate the properties and potential of silicon-based life forms
  • Study the biochemical pathways of early microorganisms that thrived in low-oxygen environments
  • Explore the implications of polymer chemistry in the development of alternative life forms
USEFUL FOR

Astrobiologists, chemists, and anyone interested in the theoretical frameworks of extraterrestrial life and alternative biochemistries.

Moogie
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Hi

I'm just wondering how other life forms on different planets might be able to evolve. Some of my thoughts:

1) other life forms don't necessarily need oxygen do they? On this planet we use oxygen to generate energy through combustion. Other life forms could generate energy by
i) combustion in another gas e.g. fluorine?
ii) something different to combustion altogether though I'm not sure what. I can't remember enough about things like electron transport chains to know if they need oxygen

2) could simple life forms exist that weren't carbon carbon based? Silanes can form polymers up to 10 units long if i remember correctly. Could you have silicon based life?

Any thoughts welcomed
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
This is all pure speculation, so you better look for some forum where speculation is allowed - it is not at PF.

Oxygen is not needed for life. Before photosynthesizing microorganisms modified our atmosphere composition there was no oxygen in the air, yet earlier microorganisms thrived.
 
ok sorry. did not know that
 

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