The element represented by the symbol 'C' is carbon. Carbon is a fundamental building block of life, forming the basis of organic compounds that make up living organisms. It is known for its ability to form stable bonds with many elements, including itself, leading to a vast array of complex molecules essential for biological processes. Carbon plays a significant role in various scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science. Its isotopes, particularly carbon-14, are also used in dating ancient organic materials, making carbon an essential element both in nature and scientific research.