Which element is considered the central element for all living things due to its ability to form four covalent bonds and create complex organic molecules?

Learn that carbon is unique because it has four valence electrons, enabling it to form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms. This property allows carbon to act as a versatile backbone for organic molecules.

Compare carbon's bonding capabilities with other elements listed in the problem: Nitrogen can form three covalent bonds, Oxygen can form two, and Hydrogen can form one. None of these elements can match carbon's ability to form four bonds and create complex structures.