Organic molecules are compounds primarily made of carbon atoms, often bonded with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements. They are the building blocks of life and are essential for the structure and function of living organisms. Common examples include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, each playing vital roles in biological processes.
These molecules can vary in size and complexity, ranging from simple sugars like glucose to large proteins made up of long chains of amino acids. Organic molecules are crucial for energy storage, cellular structure, and genetic information, making them fundamental to all forms of life on Earth.