Читать книгу Astrobiology - Charles S. Cockell - Страница 71

 Understand that the basic elements required by life are carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur (CHNOPS). Other elements are used for a range of functions specific to particular types of life.

 Understand why carbon is the most versatile backbone of molecules – life is “carbon-based.”

 Know the characteristics of the major classes of biological macromolecules: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

 Understand that some classes of molecules such as proteins and carbohydrates are chiral.

 Understand why water is the most versatile and plausible solvent for life.

 Understand some of the arguments for, and some of the limitations of, proposed alternative building block elements for life such as silicon, and alternative solvents such as ammonia.