Why are human beings called carbon-based organisms?

Carbon is one of the most common elements in existence. While there are 118 elements on the periodic table, Carbon appears in every living being, and then some. The element is the most substantial part of the human body, giving rise to the term “carbon-based life form.” It is present in our very DNA. It can be found in additional places, such as fats, sugars, and proteins.

While this list is not comprehensive, it gives an idea of just how much carbon humans house in their bodies. Carbon is considered among scientists to be the king of the elements, as it is the most widely used and variable element.

As noted above, there are other elements that comprise the human body, but none will outtake the levels of carbon. While elements and particles work together, Carbon is still present in each one. The sheer magnitude of what carbon compounds are available numbers in the millions.