Can Non-Atomic Life Forms Exist?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of non-atomic life forms and whether they could exist. The concept of life is explored and it is mentioned that it requires basic properties such as self-reproduction. The role of carbon in familiar life is also highlighted, as well as the idea that non-carbon based life is purely speculative. The requirements for life are also mentioned, including the need for a system capable of storing information and stability over time. The potential for alternative building blocks and the definition of life are also discussed.
  • #1
michaelklachko
2
0
I'd like to understand if non-atomic life forms are possible. For example, purely electrical ones. I'm not talking about those electron eating bacterias, they are still made out of atoms. Is there a possibility to form a stable structure out of electrons, or photons? Not necessarily in a vacuum, but the structure should not have atomic matter as its building blocks. Does it make any sense?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
There are states of matter and energy which bear little resemblance to the world of atoms with which we are familiar.
'Life' however is not a very well defined term, although anything living does require some basic properties such as self reproduction to be considered as life.
Even within the realm of familiar atomic matter there are undecided cases, viruses being the best example.
Basically the question can only be answered if you first can give a precise definition of what you would consider to be life.
 
  • #3
Well, since you mentioned viruses, let's use that. Do you think it's possible that non-atomic structures could form that would function as a virus (and would be as stable and as complex)?
 
  • #4
Familiar life is all based on the fact that carbon can form bonds easily with other elements and also with other carbon atoms.
This mean that complex chains and other structures can be formed and these structures are essential for all forms of life we know of.
Anything other than carbon based life has to be pure speculation. there certainly is no evidence for it.
That does not mean it's impossible, but you will find that threads of a purely speculative nature are discouraged here, and often they will be removed.
 
  • #5
If you read up on some of the abiogenesis work, I think one of the main points is that for life you need some kind of system capable of storing information - likely a lot of information. The system needs to be stable over time, it needs to be able to replicate itself, and it process for translating that information into some kind of effect on the environment it's in.

On earth, this role is filled by DNA or RNA. There's no rule that I'm aware of that excludes other molecules from performing this role. But your question is whether this could be formed by something that is not made up of atoms. I suspect that answer is that there is no rule necessarily excluding non-matter mechanisms, but you run into major issues with the requirement for stability over time when you look for alternative building blocks.
 
  • Like
Likes trurle
  • #6
As rootone said, it depends entirely on your definition of life. For example, Stephen Hawking has argued that computer viruses should be considered a form of life. Most biologist, however, consider metabolism, the ability to extract raw nutrients from the surroundings in order to replicate itself, part of what defines life (which is why most don't consider biological viruses to be a form of life). However, if you relax some of the classical definitions of life (many of which are not universally agreed upon), then you might be able to claim that some borderline cases like computer viruses as having the "properties" of life.
 
  • Like
Likes trurle

1. Can non-atomic life forms exist?

This is a commonly asked question and the answer is not definitive. While most life forms on Earth are made up of atoms, it is possible for non-atomic life forms to exist in other environments, such as in extreme conditions like in the vacuum of space or on other planets with different chemical compositions.

2. What are non-atomic life forms?

Non-atomic life forms are hypothetical forms of life that do not have the same basic building blocks as life on Earth. This means that they are not made up of atoms, which are the smallest units of matter that can exist. They could potentially be made up of other particles or structures, such as plasma or crystals.

3. How would non-atomic life forms survive?

The survival of non-atomic life forms would depend on their environment and the resources available to them. Just like life on Earth, they would need to find a way to obtain energy, reproduce, and adapt to their surroundings in order to survive. They may have different biological processes and strategies for survival compared to life on Earth.

4. Could we ever discover non-atomic life forms?

It is possible that we could discover non-atomic life forms in the future, especially as our technology and understanding of the universe continues to advance. However, it is also possible that we may never encounter them, as they may exist in environments that are difficult for us to access or detect.

5. Are non-atomic life forms considered aliens?

Non-atomic life forms, if they do exist, could be considered aliens in the sense that they would be living beings from a different world or environment. However, the term "alien" is often associated with extraterrestrial life forms, so it may not be the most accurate term for non-atomic life forms that are found on Earth or in our solar system.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
762
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
65
Views
8K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
2
Replies
49
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
785
  • Biology and Medical
2
Replies
39
Views
7K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
11
Views
5K
Back
Top