Final answer:
Carbohydrates are for short-term energy storage and plant structure; proteins have various functions, such as enzymes and structural support but are not used for long-term energy storage; lipids, including fats, are used for long-term energy storage and are major components of cell membranes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Macromolecules play crucial roles in biological systems with each having distinct functions:
- Carbohydrates are mainly involved in short-term energy storage and providing structural support in plant cells through components like cellulose. They serve as energy storage molecules in the forms of disaccharides, starch, and glycogen. The structure of carbohydrates, including monosaccharides formed during photosynthesis, determine their functionality as they are broken down to release energy in cellular respiration.
- Proteins, on the other hand, consist of polymers of amino acids and have diverse biological functions including acting as enzymes, structural components, and hormones. They are not typically involved in energy storage; instead, they perform vital functions like metabolism and providing structural integrity.
- Lipids are macromolecules involved in long-term energy storage, insulation from the environment, and are essential constituents of cellular membranes. They include fats, oils, waxes, and steroids.
It's important to note that proteins do not make up the majority of cell membranes, nor are they primarily used for long-term energy storage. That role is attributed to lipids. Hormones, while they can be proteins, can also be lipids such as steroids.