Question

If unknown substance found on a meteorite (a piece from the outer space) is determined to contain no trace of carbon, can scientists conclude that there is life at the meteorite's origin?

Answer 1

In case of carbon is absent , scientists can not conclude that there is life at the meteorite origin. Because this carbon is an important constituent of human cells and is an important building block of the cell.

Macromoleces which are important and found in living organisms are carbohydrate, nucleic acid, protein and fats contains carbon as an important constituent. C has four valancy so it can form covalent bonds with other carbon molecules as well as with other molecules also . This property of carbon is enable to form various linear as well as branched polymers which are present in the cell and are indispensable for cell. If carbon is absent in the outer layer of meteorite than we can not conclude that life is originated from meteriot.