your friend is intrigued by a recent report of a new species of bacteria that us

Question

your friend is intrigued by a recent report of a new species of bacteria that used arsenic instead of phosphate within their DNA. this report spurs his curiosity about alternative life chemistries. he decides to test whether he can find a life from that utilizes selenium instead sulfur.
a) briefly explain why your friend chose selenium to replace sulfur.
b) if your friend were to analyze one type of macromolecule for the presence of selenium (instead of sulfur), which one of the four types of macromolecules would make the most sence? briefly explain...short answers...

Explanation / Answer

a. selenium was chosen because it has the same number of valence electrons as sulfur. thus it can be used in any place where one might find a sulfur molecule because it is able to make the same bonds . b. you would probably find an abundance of this in --> nucleic acids

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