1.Carbon is the basic building block for all forms of life on Earth. 2.Fortunately, carbon is also one of the most abundant elements on our planet. 3.It is the fourth most abundant element in the universe and it is the second most abundant element in the human body.

1.18% of all living things on earth is comprised of carbon. 2.That includes human beings, plants, and animals. Like all animals, humans have a metabolic need for carbon.

1.We get carbon by eating carbohydrates which are produced in plants during photosynthesis.

1.Carbon is the key for photosynthesis, which ultimately provides food for all living things on Earth.

1.Photosynthesis is the process by which autotrophic organisms use light energy to make sugar and oxygen gas from carbon dioxide and water AN OVERVIEW OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS Carbon dioxide WaterGlucoseOxygen gas PHOTOSYNTHESIS

1.Animals are dependent upon water to drink as well as oxygen to breathe. 2.Without carbon, plants would not be able to produce: a)Water b)Oxygen c)Food

1.Definition: Carbon bonds to other atoms and determine structure and function of living things. 2.Carbon usually bonds with: a)Hydrogen b)Oxygen c)Nitrogen d)Carbon 3.Why do you think carbon usually bonds with these four elements?

1.Due to their physical structure and chemical properties, carbon atoms may form a number of structures a)Configurations that are key to cell structure and functioning.

1.Carbon is the chemical basis for most of the molecules that are important to maintaining life. a)Carbohydrates b)Lipids (fats) c)Proteins d)Nucleic Acids (DNA, RNA)

1.Carbon atoms are found not only in all plants and animals, but in all other living life forms as well. Without carbon, life as we know it would simply not exist.