Heterotrophs consume and assimilate other living things to create their organic matter. Herbivores and carnivores are examples of heterotrophs. Lipids - are composed of carbon atoms that have two hydrogen atoms attached. Lipids are commonly known as fats and oils, and belong to the family of molecules known as hydrocarbons. Carbohydrates - are composed of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms.
Some examples are sugars, starch, and cellulose.
Proteins - are organic compounds that are made primarily of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and some other minor elements that are arranged into 20 different compounds known as amino acids . Nucleic Acids - are composed primarily of different combinations of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorus. They are very complex compounds being created by the atomic linking of thousands of individual atoms. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid , the genetic blueprint of life, is an example of a nucleic acid. All organisms are composed of one or more of cells .