Biochemistry

This is a page consisting of many different proteins, enzymes, and other compounds that may be helpful in creating lifeforms. Most of these are real, but some compounds here specifically originate from Sagan 4. If you have a chemical that you feel should be added, feel free to add it to the list for others.

Gossamer
Effect: Gossamer is protein fiber made to make silk. It can be used to build webs, cocoons, nests or just to help climb.

Example(s):

Lignin
Effect: Lignin is chemical that keeps flora leaves stiff. This stiffness makes the flora unattractive to most herbivores, and allows the leaves to grow taller without bending. It also makes the leaves pure yellow in color.

Example(s):

Chitinase
Effect: Chitinase are digestive enzymes that break down glycosidic bonds in chitin.

Example(s): Crystalsucker

Cellulase
Effect: Cellulase is a strong chemical that dissolves cellulose.

Example(s):

Amylase
Effect: An enzyme and a catalyst in turning starch into sugar.

Example(s):

Keratinase
Effect: Enzymes that digest keratin

Example(s):

Luciferin
Effect: Luciferin is a biological substance which glows when oxidized.

Example(s):

Bacteriorhodopsin
Effect: A purple protein that acts as a proton pump and can be used as a method of photosynthesis

Example(s):

Pellícere Protein
Effect: A Protein that many organisms descended from Carpotesta Pellícere uses to attract prey by leaving it out in the open for a cell to confuse as food.

Example(s):Carpotesta Pellícere, Carpotesta teneresca, Carpotesta multiteneresca, Lilstar, Carpotesta gretatimesca, Carpotesta glutterielux