- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Primary source of energy for cells.
- Includes sugars (simple carbohydrates) and starches (complex carbohydrates).
2. Lipids:
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (with fewer oxygen atoms than carbohydrates).
- Fats and oils.
- Store energy.
- Provide insulation and protection for organs and tissues.
- Include phospholipids (major component of cell membranes).
3. Proteins:
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.
- Building blocks of cells and tissues.
- Participate in various cellular processes, including metabolism, transport, and immune response.
- Enzymes are specialized proteins that facilitate biochemical reactions.
4. Nucleic acids:
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
- DNA and RNA.
- Store and transmit genetic information.
- DNA provides instructions for development and characteristics of an organism, while RNA helps synthesize proteins.