Images from: http://carbontime.bscs.org
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Organic molecules such as Fats, Proteins, and Carbohydrates all contain CARBON, OXYGEN, and HYDROGEN atoms. Proteins also contain atoms of nitrogen. These molecules can burn as they contain high energy C-C or C-H bonds.
Cells also contain molecules of minerals and water. These molecules have atoms of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and phosphorus. As these molecules do not contain high energy C-C or C-H bonds they cannot be used for energy by the cell. |