How do carbohydrates serve in living organisms?

Carbohydrates play a crucial role in living organisms primarily as energy sources and structural components. They are organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and include sugars and starches.

As energy sources, carbohydrates are broken down during cellular respiration to produce glucose, which is then metabolized to release energy stored in the chemical bonds. This energy is vital for various cellular processes. For example, when organisms consume food, carbohydrates provide a quick and accessible source of energy, which is especially important for high-energy activities.

In addition to serving as energy sources, carbohydrates also function as structural components. A notable example is cellulose, a polysaccharide that forms the cell wall in plants, providing rigidity and structural integrity. Similarly, chitin serves a similar purpose in the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi.

This dual role of carbohydrates—both as energy reservoirs and as vital structural elements—highlights their importance in the biology of living organisms.