Substitutes for DNA and RNA in alien life?

[TemporalV01D]

(Note: This is sorta like a parallel to my unanswered thread on a hypothetical alien cellular structure for a sci-fi novel series I'm in the prosses of creating. You can find it here.)


Because DNA and, I assume, RNA is so incredibly complex, I'd figure it highly unlikely for it to develop on a seperate planet. So, what other substances, even if hypothetical or non-existant, could possibly be substituted for DNA and RNA in alien life forms?

[JackBean]

look for any other type of nucleic acids. E.g. the peptidyl NAs could be interesting, if the amino acids were coding for amino acids in proteins Or plenty of others such as LNA etc.

Of course, then you could come up with something completely different. Like not that long time ago I've seen some UFO video and they were supposed to leave message, that their DNA has 3 chains

[DRT23]

You may have already seen this, but if you haven't you shoul read it now: NASA Life Discovery: New Bacteria Makes DNA With Arsenic (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news ... nce-space/)

But, if you want something totally different, you had better ask it to a biochemist or an astrobiologist.

[TemporalV01D]

Hmmmm... Interesting. I wonder, does anyone here know of any good astrobiology forums? That could be helpful.


Anyway, what else do you guys think could work as a viable substritute for DNA?

[DRT23]

I don't know any astrobiology forum, but why do not you try to contact an astrobiologist via email for an advice. You can find some faculty by searching universities' webpages.

[TemporalV01D]

Okay, I guess I could try that. Thanks!


Also, mind checking out the topic I was referring to at the top of the OP? I'd like to have people's oppinions on the viability of my alien cells.