What kind of organic compound includes sugars and starches?

The correct answer is that carbohydrates are the kind of organic compounds that include sugars and starches. Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They serve as a major source of energy for the body and are categorized into simple carbohydrates, like sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides), and complex carbohydrates, like starches (polysaccharides). In the context of human nutrition and physiology, carbohydrates play crucial roles in energy metabolism, cellular function, and structural components in certain organisms.

Proteins are made up of amino acids and serve different functions such as tissue repair, enzyme activity, and immune response. Lipids, on the other hand, are comprised of fat molecules and are primarily used for long-term energy storage, insulation, and forming cell membranes. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are involved in the storage and transmission of genetic information. Therefore, carbohydrates are specifically known for their role in storing and providing energy, distinguishing them clearly from these other classes of organic compounds.