Carbon compounds are substances that contain carbon atoms bonded to other elements, such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and more. These compounds are essential for life and form the basis of organic chemistry. Examples include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which are vital for biological processes in living organisms. The versatility of carbon allows it to form a wide variety of structures, from simple molecules like methane to complex ones like DNA. Carbon compounds can exist in different forms, including solids, liquids, and gases, and they play crucial roles in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and energy production.