The most important organic molecules for human functioning are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleotides. These molecules are considered organic because they all contain both carbon and hydrogen.
Understanding the Core Organic Molecules
These four classes of organic molecules are essential for life, each with unique roles:
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Carbohydrates: Primarily serve as a source of energy for the body. They include sugars, starches, and fibers.
- Examples: Glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch.
- Function: Provide immediate energy and also serve as structural components.
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Lipids: A diverse group that includes fats, oils, and waxes, known for their long-term energy storage and other vital functions.
- Examples: Triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol.
- Function: Store energy, insulate the body, form cell membranes, and carry out hormonal functions.
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Proteins: Made from amino acids, they have a wide array of roles including structural support, transportation, and catalyzing biochemical reactions.
- Examples: Enzymes, antibodies, structural proteins like collagen.
- Function: Act as enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and transport molecules, and form the structural components of cells.
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Nucleotides: The building blocks of DNA and RNA. They carry genetic information and participate in energy transfer.
- Examples: ATP, DNA, RNA.
- Function: Carry genetic information, involved in protein synthesis, and serve as energy carriers within the cell.
| Molecule | Primary Function | Key Components | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Energy source | Sugars, starches, fibers | Glucose, sucrose, starch |
| Lipids | Energy storage, cell structure | Fats, oils, waxes | Triglycerides, cholesterol |
| Proteins | Structural support, catalysis | Amino acids | Enzymes, antibodies |
| Nucleotides | Genetic information | DNA, RNA | ATP, DNA, RNA |
These organic molecules, containing both carbon and hydrogen, are the foundation of all known life. Their unique structures enable a wide range of functions necessary for the processes of living organisms.
