The element represented by the letter 'C' in chemistry is carbon. Carbon is a fundamental building block of life and is a key component of organic compounds. It has the atomic number 6 and is known for its ability to form stable bonds with various elements, allowing for the complexity of biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Carbon's versatility is illustrated in its allotropes, such as diamond and graphite, which exhibit significantly different properties. Its unique characteristics make it essential in the fields of chemistry, biology, and materials science.