Final answer:
Carbohydrates consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, constituting an essential class of biomolecules such as sugars and starches, which serve as energy sources and structural materials in organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elements found in carbohydrates are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. These essential biomolecules come in various forms, such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides, all playing crucial roles in providing energy and forming structures within living organisms.
Carbohydrates, often known by the general formula (CH₂O)n where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms, give rise to simple sugars like glucose (a monosaccharide), and complex sugars such as amylose (a polysaccharide found in starch). Whether serving as dietary energy or structural components like cellulose, carbohydrates are fundamental to life's molecular makeup.