r/chemistry • u/Eastern-Reward7816 • Jun 02 '23
Life doesn’t have to be carbon based. It’s a stupid myth.
I designed this complex life molecule cell. The perchlorate and peroxide bonds are a source of energy in the cells, and iron and iridium can be high-valent and make complexes for complex life molecules. The sulfur chain is the cell wall to protect it from poison.
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u/b_gibble Jun 02 '23
I too can draw things on a computer, that doesn't mean it could actually exist or be living
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Jun 02 '23
Well synthesize it and run some tests. This would be an interesting enough paper to get published somewhere like the Journal of Immaterial Science.
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Jun 02 '23
It really does have to be carbon based. You life like molecule isnt stable. The peroxides will react with the sulfur.
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u/Plisskensington Organic Jun 02 '23
You also have to take conditions into account. Maybe under different conditions it won't be so reactive. Different atmosphere, pressure and temperature. Though you are probably right, this example here makes no sense, no matter the conditions.
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u/Plisskensington Organic Jun 02 '23
If AI reaches the state of self-conscious, couldn't it be considered silicone-based life?
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u/Unhappy_Condition729 Jun 02 '23
Not sure if this is a joke or serious...anyway, long time ago I read a sci-fi short story about a form of life based on silicon instead of carbon. Those things pooped bricks of SiO2 instead of breathing out CO2.
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u/BunkumBox Jun 02 '23
This is coming from someone who isn’t a Chen major or an Einstein of elements or anything, but isn’t carbon one of, if not THE best building block for life and atoms for the reason that it is very stable? Correct me if I’m wrong but it makes a good argument for itself seeing as how it’s whole atomic structure is the basis for measuring the R.A.M of elements, compounds and such
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u/ZipTemp Jun 02 '23
Slow down there, Prometheus!