Which among the following statements with respect to carbon is/are correct ? 1. Carbon forms the basis for all living organisms and many things we use 2. Carbon shows tetra-valency and the property of catenation 3. Carbon forms covalent bonds with itself and other elements 4. Carbon forms compounds containing triple and tetra bonds between carbon atoms Select the correct answer using the code given below :

The correct answer is Option C (1, 2, and 3) based on the fundamental chemical properties of carbon:

• Statement 1 is correct: Carbon is the structural backbone of all known life. It forms the basis of essential biomolecules such as DNA, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.
• Statement 2 is correct: Carbon possesses tetra-valency, meaning it has four valence electrons available for bonding. It also exhibits catenation, the unique ability to form stable, long chains or rings by bonding with other carbon atoms.
• Statement 3 is correct: Carbon primarily forms covalent bonds by sharing its four valence electrons with other carbon atoms or different elements like hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: While carbon can form single, double, and triple bonds (e.g., in alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes), a quadruple (tetra) bond between two carbon atoms is not stable or standard in organic chemistry.