A living cell is composed of a small number of chemical elements mainly
carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, and sulfur. Carbon, because
of its small size and four available bonding electrons, can join to other
carbon atoms in chains and rings to form large and complex molecules.
NSES Content Standard B
Physical Science: Structure and properties of matter Grades 9-12, page 179 Carbon atoms can bond to one another in chains, rings, and branching networks to form a variety of structures, including synthetic polymers, oils, and the large molecules essential to life. NSES Content Standard B
|