Definition: Carbohydrates are molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that serve as primary energy sources for organisms.

Vocabulary: Monosaccharides are simple sugars like glucose and fructose, while disaccharides are formed from two joined simple sugars.

Example: Starch and cellulose are examples of complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) that serve different biological functions.

Highlight: Proteins' diverse functions are determined by their specific amino acid sequences, making them incredibly versatile molecules.

Definition: Nucleic acids are information-carrying molecules composed of nucleotides, existing as either DNA or RNA.

Example: Proteins can function as enzymes, hormones, antibodies, or structural components, demonstrating their versatility.

Definition: Biological macromolecules are large, complex molecules essential for life processes.

Highlight: Each macromolecule type has its own unique building block: nucleotides for nucleic acids, monosaccharides for carbohydrates, glycerol for lipids, and amino acids for proteins.

Example: The Amoeba Sisters illustration effectively shows the hierarchical organization of these molecules.