When scientists search for extraterrestrial life, they invariably focus on the sixth element on the periodic table: Carbon.
At first glance, such a choice seems random. What is it about this atom that contains six protons, six neutrons and six electrons that makes it of such interest to scientists seeking aliens? We hear that carbon is able to support life. In fact, every living thing in existence is carbon-based — at least that we know of. The entire discipline of organic chemistry by definition revolves around the study of carbon and its special properties.
