Potential alternate life biochemistries

Gregory Konesky

doi:10.1117/12.2021351

26 September 2013 Potential alternate life biochemistries

Gregory Konesky

Proceedings Volume 8865, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XVI; 88650D (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2021351
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2013, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

While life on Earth continues to be discovered in unlikely environments, the underlying biochemistry is all very similar, based on the element carbon, and requiring liquid water. We consider alternate biochemistries based on elements other than carbon, including other group IVA elements, such as silicon and germanium, and solvents other than water. Terminal electron acceptors other than oxygen are also discussed. A fundamental issue is raised related to the detection of, and even the definition of life, whether it is carbon or non-carbon based. An extreme example of this issue would be in consideration of speculative life based on electrically charged dusty plasmas, which may have no physical body.

Citation Download Citation

Gregory Konesky "Potential alternate life biochemistries", Proc. SPIE 8865, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XVI, 88650D (26 September 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2021351

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