What are biomolecules?

Biomolecules are essential compounds that are found in living organisms and are crucial for maintaining life. This category includes proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, all of which play vital roles in biological processes. For instance, proteins are responsible for cellular structure and function, carbohydrates provide energy, lipids make up cell membranes and store energy, while nucleic acids like DNA and RNA are key for genetic information and inheritance.

The other choices do not fully capture the essence of biomolecules. Although simple sugars are indeed a category of biomolecules and act as energy sources, they represent only a small fraction of the diverse types of biomolecules. Similarly, while elements contribute to the formation of natural compounds, they do not encapsulate the complexity of biomolecules themselves. Lastly, artificial substances, while possibly containing similar structures to biomolecules, are not naturally occurring and do not perform the same functions as biomolecules in living organisms. Hence, the definition that encompasses all forms and functions of molecules necessary for life aligns best with the notion of biomolecules.