Types of Organic Molecules in Your Body

Nucleic acids are made of repeating nucleotide units. Each nucleotide contains a monosaccharide, a carbon-nitrogen ring, and one or more phosphate groups. Nucleic acids, such as DNA, are vital for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Lipids are organic molecules primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Fatty acids are lipids with a carboxy group, a hydrocarbon chain, and a methyl group. Triglycerides consist of three fatty acids bonded to a glycerol molecule. Lipids are crucial for energy storage and thermal insulation (body fat).

Organic molecules are compounds found in or produced by living things, characterized by containing carbon. Carbon's ability to form four bonds and create long chains (carbon backbones) allows it to form the complex molecules essential for life: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates are organic molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically with a 2:1 ratio of hydrogen to carbon and oxygen. An example is glucose (C6H12O6). They serve as important energy sources for cells.

Proteins are chains of amino acids. Each amino acid has a central carbon, hydrogen, an amino group, a carboxy group, and a radical group that differentiates it. Amino acids form peptides, then polypeptides, and finally complex, folded proteins. Proteins provide structural support, regulate the body, transport molecules, aid in chemical reactions, fight invaders, enable muscle contraction, and bind cells together.