Humans and other animals breathe in carbon dioxide everyday. Why can't we make carbon chains from gas?

Question

Need help with describing

Answer 1

This is an odd question. Carbon Dioxide is the gas, not the element. Perhaps your teacher is asking you about the position of the electrons within the valence shell and why aren't those free to combine with other carbons to make chains. Your answer, is within the picture below. Notice what is taking up the electrons: :-)

 

http://www.gcsescience.com/Carbon-Dioxide-Molecule.gif