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Carbon (C): Carbon is the central element in all biomolecules. It forms the skeletal structure
of organic molecules and allows for the diversity of shapes and functions in biomolecules.
Hydrogen (H): Hydrogen is present in all biomolecules and is bound to carbon and other
elements to form chemical bonds.
Oxygen (O): Oxygen is found in many biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic
acids. It plays an important role in the release of energy during cellular respiration.
Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is found in amino acids, nucleotides, and other molecules essential
for cellular structure and function.
Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is a key component of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and is also
found in high-energy nucleotides used in metabolic processes.
Sulfur (S): Sulfur is present in certain amino acids and is essential for the structure and
function of proteins.
These are the most common elements present in biomolecules, but there may also be trace
elements in minimal amounts, such as calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, among others,
that play specific roles in living organisms.
• Proteins: Proteins are large biomolecules composed of amino acids. They play a vital
role in the structure, function, and regulation of tissues. Proteins are involved in
various biological processes and serve as enzymes, antibodies, structural
components, and transporters.
• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are biomolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and
oxygen. They serve as a major source of energy in living tissues and are also involved
in cell recognition and signaling. Common carbohydrates include glucose, sucrose,
and cellulose.
• Lipids: Lipids are diverse biomolecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and
steroids. They serve as energy storage molecules, structural components of cell
membranes, and signaling molecules. Lipids are important for insulation, protection,
and hormone regulation.
• Nucleic acids: Nucleic acids, including DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA
(ribonucleic acid), are responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information.
They are involved in protein synthesis and carry the instructions for the functioning
and development of living organisms.
state one example of each kind of carbohydrate and its function in ,inving things
• Monosaccharide: Glucose
o Function: Glucose is a vital source of energy in living organisms. It is used by
cells as the primary fuel for various metabolic processes, including cellular
respiration and ATP production.
• Disaccharide: Sucrose
o Function: Sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, serves as an energy
source and a transport form of carbohydrates in plants. It is transported
through the phloem vessels and is broken down into glucose and fructose for
energy utilization.
• Polysaccharide: Starch
o Function: Starch is the primary energy storage molecule in plants. It is
composed of long chains of glucose units and is stored in plant tissues such as
roots, tubers, and seeds. When needed, starch is broken down into glucose
to provide energy for plant growth and metabolism.
It's important to note that these are just examples, and there are many other types of
carbohydrates with different functions in living organisms. Carbohydrates are essential for
providing energy, serving as structural components, and participating in various biological
processes in living things.