Question

Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell. Why does this make it important to life?(1 point)%0D%0AResponses%0D%0A%0D%0AThe outermost shell is full, making it a stable element that can bond water.%0D%0AThe outermost shell is full, making it a stable element that can bond water.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe outermost shell never fills making it unstable and unable to bond to other carbon molecules.%0D%0AThe outermost shell never fills making it unstable and unable to bond to other carbon molecules.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe outermost shell can only bond with hydrogen and carbon atoms.%0D%0AThe outermost shell can only bond with hydrogen and carbon atoms.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe outermost shell can form up to four covalent bonds and this allows it to form biomolecules.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

**The outermost shell can form up to four covalent bonds and this allows it to form biomolecules.**

This property of carbon is crucial for life because it enables carbon to create a diverse range of complex molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, which are essential for the structure and function of living organisms.