The central element for all living things is carbon, which can form a wide variety of complex molecules necessary for life. These carbon-based compounds include essential biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Other elements like hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen are important, but none match carbon's versatility in biological systems. ;
The central element for all living things is carbon due to its ability to form a wide variety of complex molecules necessary for life. Other elements like hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen are important, but none match carbon's versatility. Therefore, the correct answer is A. carbon.
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