<p>I don’t know how to answer this essay question: </p>
<p>describe 3 characteristics of the carbon atom that make possible the building of a variety of biological molecules.</p>
<p>I know that carbon can bond up to four atoms therefore atoms such as hydrogen, oxygen and other can be attached to the carbon atom as the backbone, but are there any other characteristics? Please help!</p>
<p>Could you talk about radioactive isotopes? Or its low electronegativity?</p>
<p>rings
length
double bonds
and branching</p>
<p>It can bond with itself.</p>
<p>carbon could form rings in an aqueous environment
carbon’s electron configuration allows infinite number of bonds
carbon could form structural and geometric isomers and enantiomers that allow varieties of biological molecules even from identical molecular formula. (Ex. glucose, fructose, and galactose have same molecular formula, but are different)</p>
<p>oh and also its tetrahedral shape allows covalent, single/double/triple bonds</p>