Question

When are carbon atoms part of something living?

a) When they are part of organic molecules involved in metabolic processes.
b) When they are part of inorganic compounds.
c) When they are part of minerals.
d) When they are part of the atmosphere.

When are carbon atoms part of something non-living?
a) When they are part of organic molecules involved in metabolic processes.
b) When they are part of inorganic compounds.
c) When they are part of minerals.
d) When they are part of the atmosphere.

Answer 1

Carbon atoms are part of something living when they are part of organic molecules involved in metabolic processes (Option A). Carbon atoms are part of something non-living when they are part of inorganic compounds, minerals, or the atmosphere (Option B).

Step-by-step explanation:

Living organisms predominantly consist of carbon-containing organic molecules involved in essential metabolic processes. These include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. In living organisms, carbon plays a central role in energy production, growth, and maintaining the structure of biological molecules. On the other hand, carbon atoms become part of non-living entities when they are part of inorganic compounds like carbonates in minerals, or when they are present in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Inorganic carbon forms, such as carbonates, contribute to geological processes and the formation of Earth's crust.

Option A is the answer for carbon atoms being part of something living, and Option B represents carbon atoms being part of something non-living.