Class of Biochemicals

Elements Required

Example

Function

Carbohydrates

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen

Glucose

Cellulose

Energy source for plants and animals

Structural support in plants

Lipids ("fats")

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen

Oleic Acid (a vegetable oil)

Energy storage

Cell membranes

Proteins

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and a little Sulfur

Keratin

Enzymes

Almost everything:

Keratin is a structural protein (esp. in animals)

Enzymes are facilitators of chemical reactions

Nucleic Acids

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

Genetic material

Enzyme helpers

Other

C,H,O,N,P,S, plus trace elements

Cyanocobolamin (Vitamin B12)

Facilitate chemical reactions