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alternative biochemistry
Also known as: alien biochemistries
Facts (14)
Sources
Beyond Carbon-Based Life: Exploring Alternative Biochemistries in ... walshmedicalmedia.com 7 facts
claimThe exploration of alternative biochemistries faces the major challenge of identifying suitable environments that can support the stability and complexity of alternative molecules.
claimThe James Webb Space Telescope has the potential to enhance the ability to analyze the atmospheres of exoplanets for biosignatures, including those associated with alternative biochemistries.
claimSilicon is considered a potential candidate for alternative biochemistry in the search for extraterrestrial life because it is located just below carbon on the periodic table and shares some chemical similarities with carbon.
claimThe feasibility of alternative biochemistries is determined by environmental conditions such as temperature, pressure, and the availability of solvents.
perspectiveThe exploration of alternative biochemistries in exobiology represents a shift in understanding regarding the conditions required for life in the cosmos.
claimThe exploration of alternative biochemistries faces the challenge of identifying environments that can support the stability and complexity of alternative molecules.
claimEnvironmental conditions such as temperature, pressure, and the availability of solvents are critical factors in determining the feasibility of alternative biochemistries.
Hypothetical types of biochemistry - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org 4 facts
claimVarious metals can form complex structures with oxygen known as heteropoly acids, which are theorized as a basis for alternative biochemistry.
claimSupercritical carbon dioxide is a candidate for alternative biochemistry because it can selectively dissolve organic compounds, assist enzyme function, and is likely present on common high-pressure 'super-Earth' or 'super-Venus' planets.
referencePeter D. Ward and Steven A. Benner discuss 'Alien biochemistries' in the 2007 book 'Planets and Life', edited by Woodruff T. Sullivan and John A. Baross.
claimHydrogen sulfide is a chemical analog of water, though it is less polar and a weaker inorganic solvent, making it a candidate for alternative biochemistry.
Are Non-Carbon Based Life Forms Really Possible? - Physics Forums physicsforums.com Mar 20, 2005 1 fact
claimConcerns are raised by participants regarding the stability and viability of alternative biochemistries, with some asserting that carbon is the most suitable element for life.
Does Life Need to Be Carbon-Based? - Reasons to Believe reasons.org Oct 28, 2016 1 fact
perspectiveScientists suggest that the relatively small niche environment of Earth biases the conclusions drawn when assessing alternative biochemistries.
Carbon may not be the only basis for life. Look for silicon, too bigthink.com Jul 1, 2022 1 fact
claimPolysilanes, which are compounds containing multiple SiH4 groups, are considered a potential basis for an alternative biochemistry.