Introduction Welcome to my November 2025 SWC Co-Leader App! Text-based version: https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/828439/?page=47#post-8726626 Word count without excerpt: 1868 Word count of excerpt: 334 On Earth, carbon-based life dominates the planet; carbon is flexible and able to bond with itself and other elements with up to four strong covalent single bonds, and this versatility allows for a vast number of carbon-based molecules and hydrocarbons. We’re used to life being equated with water (the universal solvent) and carbon (which has its own subset of chemistry, organic chemistry); however, a wide range of hypothetical alternatives for biomolecules* have been proposed** by scientists. Biochemistry is the study of the components that make up life, and this app provides a short overview of alternative biochemistries, ranging from alternate chirality mirror life to organosilicon chemistry. I hope you enjoy! *The definition of life is used vaguely in this sense--biomolecules don’t necessarily equate to life, though they’re required to form the life we’re used to seeing on Earth. **These are hypothetical (and in most cases, highly unlikely) forms of life! They’ve been considered as hypothetical forms of biochemistry because of their molecular properties. Instructions Press s to enter slideshow mode at any time! You can use space, arrow keys, or click to progress. Click to proceed in the regular version. XNA : About Me Organoboron Chem : Previous Participation Hydrocarbons : Cabin Preferences Supercritical CO2 : Excerpt Plasma : Time Dedication Methane : Time Management Arsenic : Collaboration & Assets Organosilicon Chem : Reason for Applying Ammonia : Atmosphere Chirality : Checkboxes Hydrogen Sulfide : Bonus Question Notes This app was an idea I’ve had for a while! I love science, and I thought this would be a fun way to explore biochemistry (as well as getting some worldbuilding knowledge for future sci-fi stories). It’s also a bit rebellious, given I’m taking organic chemistry in school right now and of course I had to make an app themed about alternate variations of organic chemistry. I also enjoy writing nonfiction and about science in general, and the illustrations for this were really fun to make :) Credits Research & information: a variety of sources; see note inside project in the Slideshow sprite for links of scientific articles and further readings if you’re curious! Please reach out if you’d like more science resources or if you have any questions :D All art and code by Thanks to all members, past and present, of SWC! Special thanks to the hosts (, , , ) for being so amazing :)
