Carbon forms many complex molecules because it has

CH 4 Carbon Compounds Carbon is the backbone of life Living organisms consist mostly of carbon-based compounds. Carbon is unparalleled in its ability to form large, complex, and diverse molecules. With four valence electrons, carbon can form four covalent bonds with a variety of atoms.

the overall balanced equation

6co2 + 6h2o > c6h12o6 + 6o2

sunlight energy

where: co2 = carbon dioxide

h2o = water

light energy is required

c6h12o6 = glucose

o2 = oxygen