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Post by striker16 on Dec 16, 2011 22:31:57 GMT 1
I have often heard it said that human beings (as well as all other life forms on earth, I assume) are 'carbon based.'
But what does this really mean?
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Post by marchesarosa on Dec 28, 2011 12:22:06 GMT 1
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Post by striker16 on Dec 28, 2011 13:32:44 GMT 1
Ta.
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Post by mak2 on Dec 28, 2011 16:42:58 GMT 1
Most of the molecules on which life is based contain long chains of carbon atoms. Organic compounds contain other elements as well, such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. It is the ability of carbon to form chains of atoms that is crucial. It makes possible very complex molecules, such as proteins, which contain large numbers of atoms.
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Post by abacus9900 on Dec 28, 2011 21:31:28 GMT 1
Most of the molecules on which life is based contain long chains of carbon atoms. Organic compounds contain other elements as well, such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. It is the ability of carbon to form chains of atoms that is crucial. It makes possible very complex molecules, such as proteins, which contain large numbers of atoms. Ah, I see. So it is the ability of carbon to produce long, stable atoms that can support complex molecules that lead to life. Thank you.
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