Which one of the following is considered as the basic structural element of all life forms?
Carbon
Phosphorus, oxygen and nitrogen are all essential elements of life, present in molecules such as ATP, water and amino acids respectively, but none of them forms the structural backbone of biomolecules.
Carbon has the unique ability to form four stable covalent bonds and link with other carbon atoms into long chains, branches and rings. This versatility allows it to form the backbone of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, making it the basic structural element of all known life forms.
Hence, the answer is Carbon.
Important Questions from Organic Chemistry
Which of the hydrocarbons are arranged as per the increasing order of their boiling points?
Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?
Which among the following statements with respect to carbon is/are correct?
1. Carbon forms the basis for all living organisms and many things we use
2. Carbon shows tetra-valency and the property of catenation
3. Carbon forms covalent bonds with itself and other elements
4. Carbon forms compounds containing triple and tetra bonds between carbon atoms
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which one of the following statements about diamond and graphite is not correct?
Which one of the following cell organelles does NOT possess nucleic acid?
