Here are the elements typically present in each of the mentioned macromolecules:
| Macromolecule | Carbon | Hydrogen | Oxygen | Nitrogen | Phosphorus | |------------------|--------|----------|--------|----------|------------| | Carbohydrate | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | | Protein | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | | Lipid | Yes | Yes | Yes* | No | No | | Nucleic Acid | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Notes:
- Carbohydrates are composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually in a 1:2:1 ratio.
- Proteins are made up of amino acids that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.
- Lipids (such as fats, oils, and phospholipids) contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; however, their oxygen content is typically lower relative to carbohydrates.
- Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA) contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which is found in the phosphate groups of their nucleotides.