The four macromolecules typically discussed in biological studies are:
-
Carbohydrates: These are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually in a ratio of 1:2:1. They serve as a major source of energy for the body and are also important for structural functions in plants (e.g., cellulose) and insects (e.g., chitin).
-
Proteins: Composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, proteins perform a vast array of functions within living organisms, including serving as enzymes, structural components, transport molecules, and antibodies.
-
Lipids: This group includes fats, oils, waxes, and steroids. Lipids are hydrophobic molecules that are crucial for long-term energy storage, insulation, and making up biological membranes (e.g., phospholipids in cell membranes).
-
Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA are the two main types of nucleic acids. They store and transmit genetic information and are involved in protein synthesis.
These macromolecules are essential for life, each playing unique and vital roles in biological processes.