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Related Concept Videos

Amino acids03:42

Amino acids

105.2K
Amino acids are the monomers that comprise proteins. Each amino acid has the same fundamental structure, which consists of a central carbon atom, or the alpha (α) carbon, bonded to an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), and to a hydrogen atom. Every amino acid also has another atom or group of atoms bonded to the central atom known as the R group. There are 20 common amino acids present in proteins, each with a different R group. Variation in the amino acid sequence is responsible for...
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Nucleic Acids02:43

Nucleic Acids

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Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...
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Nucleic acids02:43

Nucleic acids

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Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
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The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...
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Molecules and Compounds02:38

Molecules and Compounds

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Atoms and Molecules
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Polyprotic Acids03:38

Polyprotic Acids

31.9K
Acids are classified by the number of protons per molecule that they can give up in a reaction. Acids such as HCl, HNO3, and HCN that contain one ionizable hydrogen atom in each molecule are called monoprotic acids. Their reactions with water are:
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Lewis Acids and Bases02:33

Lewis Acids and Bases

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In 1923, G. N. Lewis proposed a generalized definition of acid-base behavior in which acids and bases are identified by their ability to accept or to donate a pair of electrons and form a coordinate covalent bond.
A coordinate covalent bond (or dative bond) occurs when one of the atoms in the bond provides both bonding electrons. For example, a coordinate covalent bond occurs when a water molecule combines with a hydrogen ion to form a hydronium ion. A coordinate covalent bond also results when...
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Exfoliation of Egyptian Blue and Han Blue, Two Alkali Earth Copper Silicate-based Pigments
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Silicic acid: The omniscient molecule.

Christopher Exley1, Gea Guerriero2, Xabier Lopez3

  • 1The Birchall Centre, Lennard-Jones Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom.

The Science of the Total Environment
|February 18, 2019
PubMed
Summary

Silicic acid, often misunderstood, plays a crucial role in life's origins and evolution on Earth. Its cycle is also fundamental to understanding and managing climate change.

Keywords:
Aluminium in biologyBiological silicificationClimate changeHydroxyaluminosilicatesMineral weathering

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Area of Science:

  • Biogeochemistry
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Climate Science

Background:

  • Silicic acid is an under-valued molecule crucial for life on Earth.
  • Its chemistry is often confused with silicates or silica.
  • Understanding silicic acid is key to biochemistry and climate dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Define silicic acid.
  • Identify its role in biochemical evolution, including aluminium exclusion and biological silicification.
  • Explain the silicic acid cycle's connection to climate change.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
  • Chemical and biological pathway analysis.
  • Climate modeling data interpretation.

Main Results:

  • A working definition of silicic acid is provided.
  • Silicic acid's role in excluding aluminium from biota and facilitating biological silicification is highlighted.
  • The intrinsic link between the silicic acid cycle and climate change is explained.

Conclusions:

  • Silicic acid is vital for life's establishment and maintenance.
  • Biological silicification offers unique evolutionary advantages.
  • The silicic acid cycle is a critical component of Earth's climate system.