For these and other reasons, no other element comes even close to carbon for abundance, availability, potential for biogeochemical cycling, and appropriate bond energy and diversity. This isn’t to discourage you sf-writing-types (and I know you’re out there) from cooking up the Quantum Meat from elements other than carbon. I’m just letting you know that it’ll be difficult, and that you’ll have to make allowances in your recipe, or those of us with a discerning palate are likely to choke on your efforts.

Next time, we’ll take the basic principles of chemistry and use them to build biological molecules and basic cellular components. Bring your appetite.

In Memory of Lou Csontos