It's the only element that is able to form complex molecules (because it can form four bonds) besides silicon. Plus, it works well with wates as a solvent, which is plentiful.
With silicon there are a bunch of issues. The bonds aren't as stable, so everything would have to be extremely cold, which makes chemical reactions very slow. Also organisms would exhale sand, which is not ideal.
Carbon and water are just uniquely qualified as a basis for life.
If you say life may be possible without complex chemistry then I'd be interested in your arguments. In my experience that line of reasoning boils down to "just because we can't imagine it doesn't mean it's impossible". Maybe, but I'm unable to discuss things neither you or me can imagine.
mr_mitm|3 years ago
With silicon there are a bunch of issues. The bonds aren't as stable, so everything would have to be extremely cold, which makes chemical reactions very slow. Also organisms would exhale sand, which is not ideal.
Carbon and water are just uniquely qualified as a basis for life.
If you say life may be possible without complex chemistry then I'd be interested in your arguments. In my experience that line of reasoning boils down to "just because we can't imagine it doesn't mean it's impossible". Maybe, but I'm unable to discuss things neither you or me can imagine.