6.10. Organic Origin of Petroleum
The most notable groups of chemicals used in the processes of living organisms include:
Proteins, which are the building blocks from which the structures of living organisms are constructed (this includes almost all enzymes, which catalyze organic chemical reactions)
Nucleic acids, which carry genetic information
Carbohydrates, which store energy in a form that can be used by living cells
Lipids, which also store energy, but in a more concentrated form, and which may be stored for extended periods in the bodies of animals.
Silicon has been a theme of noncarbon-based life since it also has four bonding sites and is just below carbon on the periodic table of the elements. This means silicon is very similar to carbon ...
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