Module 2 Lab: Biological Astronaut Imagine you are an exploratory astronaut looking for life throughout the universe

Module 2 Lab: Biological Astronaut

Imagine you are an exploratory astronaut looking for life throughout the universe. One day you encounter a planet that has no carbon present at its surface. However, your instrument register movement and a variety of other signs that make you think life exists on its surface.

•             Part 1: Before taking a potentially dangerous trip to the surface, you must outline a theoretical framework in which another element can serve as a backbone for molecules. (Hint: look for an element on the periodic table that would act similarly to carbon.) Begin by describing this new backbone, including how compounds and macromolecules world form. Detail at least 2 chemical reactions forming macromolecules with this backbone. You may wish to add supporting diagrams (that you create). Be sure to include references using APA format, 7th edition (refer to Module 1 lab for formatting.)

•             Part 2: Your theoretical framework is deemed strong enough to justify a trip landside. Once there, you are authorized to collect a simple "organism" for experimental use. Collect your specimen and then design a full experiment that will test at least 2 characteristics that define biological life on Earth. Be sure to include all relevant parts of an experiment and describe how you would analyze and present the data, results, and conclusions (refer to Module 1 lab resources on the scientific method.)

Assignment requirements:

•             12 pt Times New Roman font, double spaced

•             adheres to APA 7th edition

•             title page

•             references (minimum of 3)