Which group of molecules includes sugars and starches?

The group of molecules that includes sugars and starches is carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1. They serve as a primary source of energy for living organisms.

Sugars, such as glucose and fructose, are classified as simple carbohydrates or monosaccharides, while starches are complex carbohydrates, specifically polysaccharides, made up of long chains of glucose units. Carbohydrates play crucial roles not only in energy provision but also in structural functions in cells, such as cellulose in plant cell walls.

This understanding is foundational in biology, as it connects to how organisms metabolize different types of biomolecules for various functions. Other groups such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids have distinct compositions and functions, focusing on amino acids, fatty acids, and nucleotides, respectively, which do not include sugars or starches.