Biological Astronaut

Part 1: Before taking a potentially dangerous trip to the surface, you must outline a theoretical framework in which another element can serve as a backbone for macromolecules. (Hint: look for an element on the periodic table that would act similarly to carbon.) Begin by describing this new backbone, including how compounds and macromolecules would form. Detail at least 2 chemical reactions forming macromolecules with this backbone. You may wish add supporting diagrams (created or obtained). Be sure to include references as appropriate.