Final answer:
The four major categories of organic compounds found in living things are proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four major categories of organic compounds found in living things are:
- Proteins: Proteins are made up of amino acids and are involved in various functions in living organisms, such as building and repairing tissues, transporting molecules, and catalyzing chemical reactions.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates serve as a source of energy for organisms and are also involved in providing structural support. Examples of carbohydrates include glucose, starch, and cellulose.
- Lipids: Lipids are a diverse group of molecules that include fats, oils, and certain hormones. They serve as a long-term energy storage, insulation, and are important for the structure and function of cell membranes.
- Nucleic acids: Nucleic acids, specifically DNA and RNA, carry and transmit genetic information. They are essential for protein synthesis and the inheritance of traits.