Why Carbon Is Called the Building Block of Life

Carbon can form four strong bonds, making it incredibly versatile for building molecules.
Its bonding ability allows for chains, rings, and complex 3D structures.
DNA, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates all rely on carbon backbones.
Carbon atoms link together to form millions of different compounds.
No other element matches carbon’s flexibility in creating stable, diverse molecules.
Even your cells, tissues, and organs are largely constructed from carbon-based molecules.
Carbon’s ability to bond with oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen makes life’s chemistry possible.
The energy in food comes from breaking and reforming carbon-based bonds.
Fossil fuels, the remains of ancient life, are also carbon-rich compounds.
Without carbon’s unique properties, life as we know it could not exist.