Why do scientists always assume that life must be carbon-based-or maybe silicon? What does carbon based actually mean?
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ANSWERS: 4
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Not sure of what you mean by silicon based. But, when life is referred to as "Carbon based" it's in direct reference to the main contributor to life on earth as we know it. Actually. In relative terms, everything is made up of bonds between molecules. Those pertaining to life are made up of complex relationships particularily with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen. Basically. But more more complicated in O. Chem.
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Silicon based life is a misnomer applied to computers and robots. They are not life in the real world, only in fiction. See this excellent article in wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-based_life "The only kind of life that has ever been observed is carbon based. Complex molecules are made up of carbon bonded with other elements, especially oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen. It is these elements that living organisms need, among others, and carbon is able to bond with all of these because of its four valence electrons. "This assumption is referred to by critics as carbon chauvinism, as it may be possible for life to form that is not based on carbon, even though it has never been observed."
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Scientists don't say life must be carbon-based. They observe that all life on Earth is carbon-based. They have not ruled out other forms of life but there is currently no empirical data to support other forms.
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each planet in our solar system could support life, even life which has intelligence. Mars have had life...and it may have life now. When we look at the infinite and we see finite, then we are limiting the possibilities for creation being created by the creator. Our bodys are built on a carbon base. like carbon dioxide...is a gas our bodys reject when we breathe. we beathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. where does the carbon come from. scientists have found that life could be on a silicon base. its the stuff of science fiction. silcon is very soft and pliable. like skin. its a tough question.
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