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) The carbon-carbon bond has a bond energy that is above the energy of photons of light in the visible range (400-700nm)
c) A carbon atom can bond simultaneously to two other carbon atoms.
d) Carbon atoms can bond readily to hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms.
e) Carbon-containing compounds can contain asymmetric carbon atoms.