Conundra

A problem: Protein production.

Protein production is generally very inefficient, although the situation is somewhat improved if you use a catalyst (a molecule which helps make a reaction go faster). However, that requires getting yet another kind of molecule there that just happens to interact helpfully.

Alternately, protein production works better in hot, dry environments. Dry we already know is a problem, and hot? We are talking about 150-180 C (300-360 F). Those regimes don't occur very commonly on Earth!

And even if they did -- high temperatures tend to make chemical reactions go faster, but they also tend to make molecules fall apart. Perhaps there is a fine line where a high/low temperature interface can exist.....

Back Next

Back to Lecture 8 outline

Back to main lectures page

Back to main course page