Question

carbon has four electrons in its outer shell. Why does this make it important to life?
A. The outermost shell can form up to four covalent bonds and this allows it to form biomolecules.
Correct? right?

Answer 1

Yes, you are correct! Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell, which allows it to form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms. This property is crucial because it enables carbon to create a diverse array of complex molecules, including biomolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

The ability of carbon to bond with various elements (including itself) and to form long chains or rings contributes to the complexity and versatility of organic compounds, which are fundamental to biological processes and life as we know it. Therefore, the fact that carbon can form multiple covalent bonds is a key reason why it is often referred to as the "building block of life."