Explain why carbon atoms are important in organic molecules include information about the kinds of bonds carbon can form

Carbon atoms are important in organic molecules because it is the primary component of macromolecules including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and carbohydrates.

All living things contain carbon in some form. The properties of carbon make it the backbone of the organic molecules which form living matter.

The carbon atom tends to form four (covalent) bonds, unlike most of the other atoms. Because carbon forms four bonds, carbon can create complex molecular structures and therefore creates a more complex and versatile chemistry. Life depends on this chemistry.