Learn the differences between carbohydrates vs proteins vs lipids vs nucleic acids. Explore their definition and why they are important.
Carbohydrates
These are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They include sugars, starches, and fibers.
What is importance of carbohydrates?
- Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy for living organisms.
- It contributes to the structure of cell walls in plants and some organisms.
- Glucose is stored as glycogen in animals and as starch in plants for future energy needs.
Proteins
Proteins are large complex macromolecules made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. It contains C, H, O, N in their structure.
What is the importance of proteins?
- Proteins act as catalysts (enzymes) for biochemical reactions in cells.
- It provides structural support to cells and tissues (e.g., collagen in connective tissues).
- These are involved in the transport of substances across cell membranes.
- Antibodies, part of the immune system, are proteins that defend against pathogens.
Lipids
Lipids are hydrophobic organic molecules insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents like alcohol and ether that include fats, oils, phospholipids and steroids.
What is importance of lipids?
- Lipids act as an efficient storage form of energy in the body.
- Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes.
- These helps in insulation and temperature regulation.
- Some lipids act as signaling molecules, such as steroid hormones.
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are biological macromolecules that include DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
What is the importance of nucleic acids?
- DNA carries the genetic instructions.
- RNA plays a crucial role in protein synthesis.
- Involved in various cellular processes, including replication, transcription and translation.
Carbohydrates vs proteins vs lipids vs nucleic acids
| Characteristic | Carbohydrates | Proteins | Lipids | Nucleic Acids |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Building Blocks | Monosaccharides. | Amino Acids. | Glycerol and Fatty Acids. | Nucleotides. |
| Function | Main energy Source | Act as catalyst and give structure to body. | Store energy Storage and give shape to body. | Carry genetic information. |
| Chemical Elements | C, H and O | C, H, O, N sometimes sulfur. | C, H, O | C, H, O, N and P |
| Polymer | Polysaccharides | Polypeptides | Triglycerides, Phospholipids | DNA and RNA. |
| Example | Glucose, Sucrose etc. | Hemoglobin, Insulin etc. | Phospholipids, Triglycerides etc. | DNA, RNA etc. |
| Solubility in Water | Generally Soluble | Generally Soluble | Generally Insoluble | Generally Insoluble. |
| Energy Storage | Stored as glycogen or starch. | Stored in muscle and organs. | Stored as adipose tissue. | Not a primary energy source. |
| Biological Functions | Gives quick energy and cell structure. | Act as enzymes, antibodies. | Energy storage. | Genetic code, Protein Synthesis |
Also read What is Biochemistry?
FAQ from carbohydrates vs proteins vs lipids vs nucleic acids
What are monosaccharides?
Monosaccharides are the simplest group of carbohydrates and are referred as simple sugars. They have the general formula Cn(H2O)n.
What are amino acids?
Amino acids are a group of organic compounds containing two functional groups, amino and carboxyl. These are basic building blocks of proteins.
What are fatty acids?
Fatty acids are the carboxylic acids with hydrocarbon side chain. They are the simplest form of lipids.
What are nucleotides?
Nucleotides are the basic building block or monomer of nucleic acids, which include DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). These are composed of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar and a phosphate.
Also read What are differences between biology vs biochemistry?