Discuss in your own words the importance of Carbon in life forms. What is special about Carbon that it has become the essential part of organic molecules? Could Silica based life forms exist? We use m

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Importance of Carbon in Life
As a group IV element, carbon (C) serves a crucial role in life where it forms an essential part of organic molecules including carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids among others (Pace 805). It is also found in non-living matter such as air, rocks, and gases. In forming basic life forms and existing as a versatile element in several compounds, carbon possesses unique characteristics that is lacking in other elements. Carbon atoms are electronegative and can form single, double or triple bonds with other elements mainly oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen as well as several compounds to form four different bonds (Pace 805). They can also readily bind other carbon atoms enabling formation of relatively long chain molecules, complexes, and polymers known as hydrocarbons commonly found in organic molecules such as lipids. Furthermore, breakdown or synthesis of carbon bonds involves energy of appropriate amount required for life processes such as metabolism. In addition to these properties, carbon can form different structures such as sheets, crystals, and tubes that make it an essential component of life forms.
Conversely, silicon (Si) is thought to support life owing to its similar chemical properties to carbon including four valence bonds and bonding of its atoms with each other (Peng 1). Despite exhibiting these characteristics, silicon-based life does not exist due to various reasons….