What properties of carbon allow it to play such a major role in the chemistry of living things?

Answer 1

Able to form strong chemical bonds and multiple bonds.

"Carbon is the main constituent of all living cells. It has chemical properties that make it the most important biological element. For instance, it forms strong chemical bonds and can form single bonds with up to four other atoms. It can bond to itself. It can also form double and triple bonds. Carbon is one of the only elements, because of its bonding properties, that can create long chain-shaped molecules or ring shaped molecules. These carbon rings and chains form the basis for the fats (fatty acid chains), carbohydrates, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and proteins that serve as the basis of life. (Although elements, such as oxygen, hydrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and others are also needed).

The study of carbon molecules is called organic chemistry, and there is a subset, biochemistry, that deals with the carbon molecules in living organisms.

Even outside of the realm of biological life, carbon is important, especially to industry. Carbon is a critical component of fuel, such as gasoline or coal. Diamond (pure carbon) is used for drills as well as jewelry, and graphite, another form of carbon, is used in pencils. Scientists are in the process of using carbon to make nanotubes and other compounds that can be used in computers, bullet-proof armor, and other high-tech uses."

Answer 2

Carbon is unique among the elements of the Periodic Table in the variety and flexibility of its chemical bonds with other atoms. This allows organic (carbon-based) molecules to take on an unusual range of compounds, providing a necessary level of complexity from which biochemistry, and ultimately life, emerges.

Answer 3

Properties of carbon are found in carbohydrates, amino acids, nucleic acids and fatty acids. These four carbon properties play major roles in all living things.

Answer 4

Single, Doublee, And Eveen Triplee Bonnds (;

Answer 5

because it is

Answer 6

The c