Question

Mention the significance of carbon to living beings.

Answer 1

Carbon:

Carbon is the basic component of all organic compounds like carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Carbon is found in various forms such as elements, compounds, gases, salts, etc., on the Earth. The main sources of carbon are the atmosphere, fossil fuels, water, and rocks.

Significance of Carbon to living organisms:

1. Carbon dioxide makes up about 0.04% of the atmosphere.
2. Carbon is an essential component for all living organisms as it is an important component organically of compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, enzymes, nucleic acids, and vitamins.
3. The exoskeleton and endoskeletons of various animals are made up of salts of carbon.
4. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is involved in maintaining the temperature of the earth.
5. In the biosphere, carbon dioxide acts as the central element of life.