What Are the Major Chemical Constituents of Cells?
The major chemical constituents of cells include water, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Water is the most abundant component, making up about 70-85% of a cell's weight. Proteins perform a wide range of functions, including structural roles, enzyme catalysis, and signaling. Lipids are essential for membrane structure and energy storage, while carbohydrates are involved in energy supply and cellular recognition. Nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, are responsible for genetic information storage and transmission.