Carbohydrates: Macromolecules In Plants And Animals

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids are large biological molecules that play a major role in relation to the structure and function in plants and animals. These organic molecules consist of many examples and functions. Each biological molecule has a unique function and emergent properties that helps contribute to the cellular structure in both plants and animals. These biological molecules are known as macromolecules because they are large and are composed of thousands of atoms. Each organic molecule consists of a monomer and is created with certain elements. Without these vital organic molecules the cell would not function properly and the cell would not be able to achieve essential processes that helps the survival of the cell. Macromolecules help sustain life. …show more content…
They serve as fuel and building materials. The monomer of a carbohydrate is a monosaccharide. Examples of monosaccharide are glucose and fructose. Disaccharides include lactose and sucrose. Lastly, polysaccharides consist of cellulose (plants), starch (plants), glycogen (animals), and chitin (animals and fungi). The elements its made up of are carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Carbohydrates serve as fuel for the cell meaning carbon sources can be converted to other molecules or combined into polymers. Carbohydrates regulate blood glucose and breakdown fatty acids. Animals use carbohydrates as a major energy source. Animals store glucose for energy to use while hunting for prey. It is stored as glycogen. In addition, it strengthens the exoskeleton. Carbohydrates strengthen plant cell walls and also store glucose for energy. Plants store it as starch. They can be used to store nutrients for both plants and animals. Carbohydrates strengthen fungal cell walls and form parts of the nucleic