The argument for arsenic in life-forms stems from its chemical similarity to phosphorus, a staple part of DNA in Earth life. Īs a result, it is likely that silicon might exist as a stage of early life on other planets, converting their atmospheres into oxygen and getting them ready for more advanced life later on.Īlthough it seems counterintuitive that one of the most iconic poisons on Earth has a basis in forming life, science suggests that it is entirely possible for arsenic to be incorporated into complex biomolecules. They are responsible for the usage of over six billion metric tons of silicon each year in Earth’s oceans as well as the production of almost 20 percent of the planet’s oxygen. It would have the potential to organically form its own version of DNA under the right circumstances.Īdditionally, there are examples on Earth of organisms using silicon in biological structures, specifically in a form of algae known as diatoms. Silicon, also commonly used in computer chips, is the closest that humanity has ever come to designing their own intelligent system. An important part of life as we know it is the ability of carbon to form complex chains of atoms and molecules sufficiently large to contain biological programming such as DNA. Silicon is a molecule whose structure and chemical properties are remarkably similar to the properties of carbon-the element on which most life on Earth is based.
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