What is the primary element in a methyl group?

A methyl group is a functional group in organic chemistry consisting of one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms, represented as -CH₃. The primary element in a methyl group is carbon, which serves as the central atom to which the three hydrogen atoms are bonded. Carbon's ability to form four covalent bonds is critical for the structure of organic molecules, allowing it to bond with other atoms and create various functional groups like the methyl group. The presence of carbon makes it a key player in the backbone of organic compounds, thus establishing the methyl group’s role in biochemistry and molecular biology.