Could molecular substitution occur?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion explores the possibility of life forms existing under extreme conditions, such as higher temperatures or lower pressures, using alternative elements instead of the traditional carbon-based biochemistry. It considers the feasibility of organisms composed of metals like tin or lead, and other elements like bismuth, antimony, selenium, and tellurium, as substitutes for carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. The conversation highlights the notion that life could potentially thrive with these substitutions if the right conditions are met. While the field of alternative biochemistries is currently limited, there is optimism that advancements in synthetic biology and exobiology may expand research into these unconventional life forms in the future.
Frogeyedpeas
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Suppose we lived in significantly hotter conditions that what we live in right now (or lower pressure)... could organisms composed of Tin or Lead as opposed to carbon, Bismuth/Antimony as opposed to Nitrogen, Selenium and Tellurium as opposed to oxygen and sulfur respectively, and substances such as potassium and sodium in place of hydrogen exist?

Not exactly that but can life be fully functional as long as it has the proper substitutions in place?
 
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There are many ideas surrounding different hypothetical biochemistries but it's not a big field of research. Could be that will change in future with developments in synthetic biology or discoveries in exobiology.
 

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