Knowledge Tree
Relations (1)
related 3.46 — strongly supporting 9 facts
Silicon and oxygen are chemically linked as they form strong covalent bonds {fact:2, 5, 10} and constitute the fundamental framework of silicate minerals [1]. Furthermore, they are both proposed as essential components for alternative biochemistries in extreme environments {fact:1, 4, 6, 9} and interact directly when silicon oxidizes into silicates [2].
Facts (9)
Sources
Hypothetical types of biochemistry - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org 6 facts
claimGerald Feinberg and Robert Shapiro have suggested that molten silicate rock could serve as a liquid medium for organisms with a chemistry based on silicon, oxygen, and other elements such as aluminium.
claimSilicon has a larger atomic radius than carbon and forms weaker covalent bonds with most atoms, with the exception of oxygen and fluorine, with which it forms very strong bonds.
claimSilicon has a larger atomic radius than carbon and forms weaker covalent bonds with most atoms, with the exception of oxygen and fluorine, with which it forms very strong bonds.
claimSilicones, which alternate between silicon and oxygen atoms, are more stable than silanes and may be more stable than equivalent hydrocarbons in sulfuric acid-rich extraterrestrial environments.
claimFeinberg and Shapiro suggested that molten silicate rock could serve as a liquid medium for organisms with a biochemistry based on silicon, oxygen, and other elements such as aluminium.
claimGerald Feinberg and Robert Shapiro have suggested that molten silicate rock could serve as a liquid medium for organisms with a chemistry based on silicon, oxygen, and other elements such as aluminium.
Carbon may not be the only basis for life. Look for silicon, too bigthink.com 2 facts
claimElemental silicon is unsuitable for life on Earth because it oxidizes into silicates when exposed to atmospheric oxygen or liquid water.
claimSilicate minerals, which form rocks like granite and basalt, are based on a silicon and oxygen framework that renders free silicon inert at moderate temperatures.
Does Life Need to Be Carbon-Based? - Reasons to Believe reasons.org 1 fact
claimExtreme temperatures associated with solvents like sodium chloride or silicon dioxide would require molecules formed from elements other than carbon, such as silicon, oxygen, or aluminum.