Final answer:
Carbohydrates and lipids both serve as sources of energy storage, with carbohydrates being more water-soluble and lipids more energy-dense but water-insoluble. Carbohydrates also provide structural support, while lipids are vital for cell membrane formation and cell signaling.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both carbohydrates and lipids are essential biomolecules in living organisms that play critical roles in various biological processes. A shared function between the two is energy storage. Carbohydrates, often in the form of polysaccharides like starch and glycogen, store energy that is easily accessible for metabolism. Lipids, such as fats and oils, are also integral for energy storage but in a much more compact form, providing a denser energy source.
Carbohydrates and lipids differ in their solubility; carbohydrates are generally more soluble in water due to their hydrophilic nature, which is attributed to the presence of numerous hydroxyl (–OH) groups. In contrast, lipids are largely nonpolar and hydrophobic, making them insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents.
While both carbohydrates and lipids are involved in forming structures within cells, their roles differ significantly. Carbohydrates contribute to the structure of cell walls in plants (cellulose) and the exoskeletons of arthropods (chitin), whereas lipids are critical for forming cell membranes through phospholipid bilayers and also function in cellular signaling.