Final answer:
Carbon is important for living things as it is a central element in organic molecules. Lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids are biological polymers that contain carbon.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbon is important for living things because it is the central element in organic molecules. Organic molecules, such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, are the building blocks of life and are essential for various biological processes. Carbon has the unique ability to form stable covalent bonds with other carbon atoms and with different elements, allowing for the vast diversity of organic compounds.
Lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids are all biological polymers that contain carbon. Lipids, such as fats and oils, are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Proteins, which are involved in various cellular functions, are composed of amino acids that contain carbon. Carbohydrates, including sugars and starches, are carbon-based compounds that serve as a source of energy. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, carry genetic information and are made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
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