Artwork of Silicon-Based Life (IMAGE)

California Institute of Technology

Artwork of Silicon-Based Life

Caption

This is an artist rendering of organosilicon-based life. Organosilicon compounds contain carbon-silicon bonds. Recent research from the laboratory of Frances Arnold shows, for the first time, that bacteria can create organosilicon compounds. This does not prove that silicon- or organosilicon-based life is possible, but shows that life could be persuaded to incorporate silicon into its basic components.

Credit

Lei Chen and Yan Liang (BeautyOfScience.com) for Caltech

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