Some scientists have speculated that life forms elsewhere in the universe could be based onsilicon, rather than carbon. What properties does silicon share with carbon that makes this morelikely than say aluminum-based life or neon-based life?

Scientists must categorize organisms since the Earth has about 10 million distinct types of life…

Answered: Some scientists have speculated that…

Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (MindTap Course List)

5th Edition

ISBN:9781305117396

Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr

Publisher:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr

Chapter13: Early Life Forms And The Viruses

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1FIO

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A. The first shell corresponds to the first energy level, and it can hold up to 2 electrons. Hydrogen has one proton, so it has 1 electron and one vacancy. A helium atom has 2 protons, 2 electrons, and no vacancies. B. The second shell corresponds to the second energy level, and it can hold up to 8 electrons. Carbon has 6 electrons, so its first shell is full. Its second shell has 4 electrons and four vacancies. Oxygen has 8 electrons and two vacancies. Neon has 10 electrons and no vacancies. C. The third shell corresponds to the third energy level, and it can hold up to 8 electrons. A sodium atom has 11 electrons, so its first two shells are full; the third shell has one electron. Thus, sodium has seven vacancies. Chlorine has 17 electrons and one vacancy. Argon has 18 electrons and no vacancies. Figure It Out: Which of these models have unpaired electrons in their outer shell?
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Critically comment on the following statement: Cadmium does not show molecular homology with other essential metals in the human body but plays a key role in disrupting important neurological processes. Over a lifetime, this heavy metal accumulates in the brain leading to symptoms of Parkinsonism.
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Some scientists have speculated that life forms elsewhere in the universe could be based on silicon, rather than carbon. What properties does silicon share with carbon that makes this more likely than say aluminum-based life or neon-based life?