Is it possible for silicon-based life?

So, the answer, at least for now, is no – although silicon can sometimes be used biologically as a sort of structural support (and there are some examples claiming silicon as an essential trace element) for carbon-based life – silicon-based life itself does not exist, as far as we know, because of the chemical and …

Why is silicon-based life possible?

Why do people think that silicon-based life may be possible? The reason is simple. Silicon is below carbon on the periodic table and silicon can also make four bonds. So, it stands to reason, you could just as easily make complicated molecules with silicon.

Is it possible to have non carbon based life?

It would be impossible for life on earth to exist without carbon. Carbon is the main component of sugars, proteins, fats, DNA, muscle tissue, pretty much everything in your body. As the most stable thing for an atom to have is eight electrons, this means that each carbon can form four bonds with surrounding atoms.

Why do we say that life on Earth is carbon based?

Life on Earth is based on carbon, likely because each carbon atom can form bonds with up to four other atoms simultaneously. This quality makes carbon well-suited to form the long chains of molecules that serve as the basis for life as we know it, such as proteins and DNA.

How much silicon is in the Earth?

Silicon makes up 27.7 percent of Earth’s crust; it is the second most abundant element in the crust, being surpassed only by oxygen.

Are humans carbon-based or oxygen based?

Carbon is the backbone of every known biological molecule. Life on Earth is based on carbon, likely because each carbon atom can form bonds with up to four other atoms simultaneously.

What is similar to carbon?

Nonmetal
MetalloidCarbon groupPeriod 2 element
Carbon/Chemical series

What would happen if there was no carbon?

The Short Answer: Carbon is in carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas that works to trap heat close to Earth. If it weren’t for carbon dioxide, Earth’s ocean would be frozen solid.