Why is carbon so important in biology?
A) It is a common element on Earth.
B) It has very little electronegativity, making it a good electron donor.
C) It bonds to only a few other elements.
D) It can form a variety of carbon skeletons and host functional groups.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbon's ability to form a variety of carbon skeletons and host functional groups is crucial in the formation of the complex molecules necessary for life, such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. While carbon is a common element on Earth, this alone does not explain its importance in biology. Carbon's electronegativity does not make it a good electron donor, as stated in option B, and carbon actually bonds to a relatively large number of other elements, as stated in option C.

Why Is Carbon So Important in Biology