THE BEECHMONT CREST GUIDE TO BIOLOGICAL TERMS
Molecules essential to cells and functional groups
-Cells are made of molecules.
-Cells use molecules for energy and storing information
The four categories of molecules that are most important to cells are as follows:
-proteins
-carbohydrates
-lipids (fats)
-nucleic acids (DNA and related molecules)
These four types of molecules are macromolecules. All cellular macromolecules consist of a carbon backbone and attached functional groups. The functional groups give each macromolecule its special characteristics.
Examples of functional groups:
