Question

A new life form was discovered on Mars, one based upon Silicon instead of Carbon. Explain what properties Silicon has that allow life to be based upon it? Explain fully for full credit. Use the periodic table to help.

Answer 1

Silicon (Si) lies in the same group on the periodic table as carbon (C). Similar to carbon, it is able to form bonds with four other atoms at the same time, it is able to form polymers and combine with oxygen (O2). Silicon could allow life to be based on it as it can create molecules sufficiently large to carry biological information.