Chapter 2, Problem 2.1PS

The Fitness of Carbon. Each of the properties that follow is characteristic of the carbon atom. In each case, indicate how the property contributes to the role of the carbon atom as the most important atom in biological molecules.

(a) The carbon atom has a valence of four.

(b) A carbon atom can bond to two other carbon atoms.

(c) Carbon atoms can bond to hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms.

(d) Carbon-containing compounds can contain asymmetric carbon atoms.