ATP and glucose.
Small nonpolar hydrophobic molecules play a crucial role in biological systems by serving as building blocks for cell membranes, hormones, and energy storage. They help maintain the structure and function of cells and are involved in various cellular processes.
The primary energy-storage molecules in living cells are adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). These molecules store energy in the form of chemical bonds and release it when needed for various cellular processes like metabolism and muscle contraction.
Living organisms use carbohydrates, such as glucose and glycogen, as their main form of energy storage. These molecules can be quickly broken down to produce ATP, which is the primary energy currency used by cells to fuel various biological processes.
Cells use lipid molecules for energy storage as well as insulation and structuring. These molecules are mostly known in the vernacular as fats although they do encompass more than just traditional fat molecules.
Monosaccharides are not efficient energy storage molecules because they are quickly metabolized for energy by cells, leading to rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar levels. For long-term energy storage, organisms utilize polysaccharides like starch and glycogen, which can be broken down into monosaccharides when energy is needed. Additionally, monosaccharides are water-soluble and can easily diffuse out of cells, making them less suitable for long-term energy storage.
Cells do not use starch for energy storage. Starch is primarily a storage polysaccharide found in plants and not used for energy storage in animal cells. Instead, animal cells store energy in the form of glycogen.
Chemical energy is stored in sugar molecules. This energy is released when sugar is broken down in a process called cellular respiration, allowing cells to produce energy for various biological processes.
Cellular respiration is the biological process that uses combustion to release energy from molecules such as glucose. This process occurs in mitochondria and produces ATP, the main energy currency of the cell.
Lipids are molecules that can be used for both energy storage and as structural material. They are stored in cells as fat for long-term energy needs, and also make up cell membranes as a structural component.
Chlorophyll, cellulose, and starch are molecules found exclusively in plant cells. Chlorophyll is responsible for capturing light energy for photosynthesis, cellulose provides structural support, and starch serves as a storage form of energy.
enzymes are protein molecules that act as biological catalysts
Adipocytes, also known as fat cells, are found in biological membranes and are responsible for storing energy in the form of triglycerides. Additionally, certain hormones and chemical messengers, such as insulin and leptin, play a role in regulating the storage and release of energy in adipocytes.