Carbon is known as the building block of life, primarily because it is a fundamental element in the chemistry of living organisms. Its ability to form four covalent bonds with other atoms allows for the creation of complex molecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which are essential for life. Carbon is versatile and can form stable bonds with many other elements, including hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. This versatility is critical in organic chemistry, leading to a diverse array of compounds that comprise biological structures and facilitate life processes.