The Biochemistry of Life: An Overview

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a ~2:1 ratio, made up of monosaccharides like glucose and fructose.

Lipids

Water-insoluble substances such as fats and oils, composed of glycerol and 3 fatty acids, with unsaturated fats being healthier than saturated fats.

Proteins

Organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, made up of amino acids, with enzymes being specific catalysts that regulate life processes.

Nucleic Acids

Organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus, made up of nucleotides like RNA (A, U, G, C) and DNA (A, T, G, C) for storing genetic information.