What is the role of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Carbohydrates play a crucial role in living organisms primarily by supplying energy. They are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, often in a ratio of 1:2:1. When consumed, carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars (like glucose), which are then used by cells as a primary energy source. This energy is vital for various biological processes, including cellular respiration, muscle contraction, and maintaining body temperature.

While carbohydrates can also have other roles, such as serving as structural components in certain organisms (like cellulose in plant cell walls) or being involved in cell signaling, their primary function is energy supply. This energy is quickly accessible, making carbohydrates an ideal fuel source for living cells, particularly during high-intensity activities or periods of growth.

The other options reflect functions associated with different types of biomolecules. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, structural support is mainly provided by proteins and certain polysaccharides like cellulose, and genetic information storage is the primary role of nucleic acids. Thus, while these roles are indeed important in biological systems, they do not pertain to carbohydrates directly.