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Biology Quote by Carl Sagan

“The same few dozen organic molecules are used over and over again in biology for the widest variety of functions.” quote by Carl Sagan
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““The same few dozen organic molecules are used over and over again in biology for the widest variety of functions.””

Carl Sagan

About This Quote

Source Book: Cosmos, 1980

Biology reuses a limited set of molecules for countless functions, highlighting nature’s efficiency and evolutionary constraints.

In simple terms: Few molecules do many jobs.

Key Takeaway

Study the versatility of basic building blocks.

Themes

biology efficiency evolution chemistry

Mood

curious analytical

Type

scientific philosophical

When to use this quote

  • research labs
  • education
  • biotech development

Key Concepts

molecular biology systems biology adaptation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why does nature favor reuse over novelty?
  • What are the limits of molecular reuse?
A Different Perspective

Complexity may be oversimplified.

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