if all the macro-molecules are made mainly of the elements CHO, how are they different?
C, H, and O atoms hooked together in different numbers and in different arrangements.
There are some rather large molecules that have something other than C. Si, for example.
The macro-molecules that make up living organisms, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, are indeed composed mainly of the elements carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). However, despite sharing these common elements, they differ in terms of their structures and functions.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the ratio of 1:2:1. They are the primary source of energy for living organisms. Carbohydrates can be divided into three main types: monosaccharides (simple sugars), disaccharides (two monosaccharides joined together), and polysaccharides (multiple monosaccharides joined together). Examples of carbohydrates include glucose, fructose, sucrose, and starch.
Proteins: Proteins are complex macromolecules composed of amino acids. Amino acids are organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen (N), and sometimes sulfur (S). There are 20 different amino acids that can be combined in various sequences to form different proteins. Proteins have diverse functions in living organisms, such as acting as structural components, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.
Lipids: Lipids are molecules that include fats, oils, and waxes, and they are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Unlike carbohydrates and proteins, lipids are not polymers. They are hydrophobic (water-insoluble) and serve as a long-term energy storage molecule. Lipids also play important roles in insulation, protection of vital organs, and acting as structural components of cell membranes.
Nucleic Acids: Nucleic acids are macromolecules involved in the storage, transmission, and expression of genetic information. They include DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid), both of which are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus (P). Nucleic acids are polymers made up of repeating units called nucleotides, which consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
In summary, although carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids all contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, they differ in their overall structure, composition, and biological roles. The precise arrangement and sequence of these elements, along with others such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, give rise to their unique properties and functions.