Have you ever wondered how life on earth sprang up? Where does life come from and what does it take to be alive? Recently, researchers have synthesized ribose- the sugar involved in the backbone of RNA- in the lab based on ice commonly found in space. Previously researchers had synthesized pyrimidine bases cytosine, uracil and thymine; parts of the DNA/RNA alphabet. While others have collected amino acids from meteorites. Think about all the different components that need to work to replicate DNA, create mRNA messages, and translate those messages into proteins for the cell to use. In this post you will reflect on the possibility that all these things have come together to create life somewhere other than on earth. In this discussion, pick a side (yes or no) and answer the following question: Do you think life in outer space is possible? If YES, what might it look like? If NO, why do you think it is not possible? Please remember to add a question to engage your classmates in the discussion. Please use scientific/biological arguments only--this is not a theological/spiritual discussion, and you will only receive credit for using appropriate scientific arguments
Nucleotides
It is an organic molecule made up of three basic components- a nitrogenous base, phosphate,and pentose sugar. The nucleotides are important for metabolic reactions andthe formation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules present in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and viruses. They carry the genetic information for the synthesis of proteins and cellular replication. The nucleic acids are of two types: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The structure of all proteins and ultimately every biomolecule and cellular component is a product of information encoded in the sequence of nucleic acids. Parts of a DNA molecule containing the information needed to synthesize a protein or an RNA are genes. Nucleic acids can store and transmit genetic information from one generation to the next, fundamental to any life form.
Have you ever wondered how life on earth sprang up? Where does life come from and what does it take to be alive? Recently, researchers have synthesized ribose- the sugar involved in the backbone of RNA- in the lab based on ice commonly found in space. Previously researchers had synthesized pyrimidine bases cytosine, uracil and thymine; parts of the DNA/RNA alphabet. While others have collected amino acids from meteorites. Think about all the different components that need to work to replicate DNA, create mRNA messages, and translate those messages into proteins for the cell to use. In this post you will reflect on the possibility that all these things have come together to create life somewhere other than on earth.
In this discussion, pick a side (yes or no) and answer the following question:
- Do you think life in outer space is possible? If YES, what might it look like? If NO, why do you think it is not possible? Please remember to add a question to engage your classmates in the discussion. Please use scientific/biological arguments only--this is not a theological/spiritual discussion, and you will only receive credit for using appropriate scientific arguments
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