Final answer:
Soybeans are mostly composed of protein, with about 34% of their composition being a mix of essential and non-essential amino acids. They are a versatile food source used in various products and are also known for their tight control over carbon metabolism under stress conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific molecule that soybeans are mostly made of is protein. An average soybean seed consists of a substantial amount of protein, approximately 34% of its composition, inclusive of essential and non-essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are vital as they cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through diet. While animal proteins like meat and fish contain all nine essential amino acids, plant proteins such as soybeans are still a valuable source, despite sometimes having only trace amounts of one or more essential amino acids.
Soybeans are not only a significant source of protein but also contain other nutritional components, such as oil (19%), insoluble carbohydrates (fiber, 21%), and soluble carbohydrates (9%). Furthermore, soybeans are involved in various food products ranging from soy milk to tofu, highlighting their versatility and importance in both human and animal diets.
Moreover, soybeans exhibit a tight control over carbon metabolism, which is crucial, especially under stress conditions like flood and drought, indicating the complex mechanisms of stress tolerance in this legume.