AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Organic molecules are usually composed of carbon atoms in rings or long chains, to which are attached other atoms of such elements as hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Hence carbon elements are found in all organic molecules.

Detailed explanation-2: -All organic compounds, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, contain carbon, and all plant and animal cells consist of carbon compounds and their polymers.

Detailed explanation-3: -This means that all organic compounds have in common the presence of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms. In addition, different organic compounds may contain oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, and other elements.

Detailed explanation-4: -All organic compounds contain carbon, as well as hydrogen unless it has been replaced by another element.

Detailed explanation-5: -The reason is carbon’s ability to form stable bonds with many elements, including itself. This property allows carbon to form a huge variety of very large and complex molecules. In fact, there are nearly 10 million carbon-based compounds in living things!