macromolecule
Huge atomic structure
A macromolecule is a very large molecule, typically composed of thousands or millions of atoms bonded together.
In biology, the term usually refers to the four major classes of molecules essential to life: proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), carbohydrates, and lipids.
In chemistry more broadly, macromolecules include synthetic polymers like plastics and rubber.
The macromolecules in your diet are broken down into smaller units during digestion.
Chain-forming molecule
- polymerizationMonomers bonding into chains
- chainLinked segments forming length
- backboneVertebral column, or courage
- copolymerMulti-monomer molecular chain
polymerase · repeat · crosslinking · branching · polyethylene · polypropylene · polystyrene · nylon
Hereditary code molecule
- RNAGene expression molecule
- geneHereditary information unit
- genomeOrganism's total hereditary material
- helixSpiraling three-dimensional curve
sequencing · chromosome · replication · transcription · translation · nucleotide · phosphate · adenine
Acid in proteins
- peptideShort amino acid chain
- polypeptideAmino acid polymer
- enzymeProtein that hastens reactions
- hemoglobinErythrocyte's oxygen-binding protein
insulin · collagen · antibody · keratin · myosin · actin · folding · denaturation
Capable of being molded
- resinViscous plant secretion
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
- kevlarBullet-resistant synthetic fiber
- TeflonNonstick pan coating
polyurethane · epoxy · silicone · acrylic · polycarbonate · PVC · fiberglass · neoprene
Structural form or arrangement
- crystallographyStudy of atomic lattices
- quaternaryFourth-order or four-bonded
- tertiaryOf third importance
- secondaryLesser in rank
folding · domain · subunit · assembly · framework · lattice · binding · active site
monomer
Chain-forming molecule
- polymerizationMonomers bonding into chains
- chainLinked segments forming length
- backboneVertebral column, or courage
copolymer · polymerase · repeat · crosslinking · branching · polyethylene · polypropylene · polystyrene · nylon · thermoplastic
DNA
Hereditary code molecule
- RNAGene expression molecule
- geneHereditary information unit
- genomeOrganism's total hereditary material
helix · sequencing · chromosome · replication · transcription · translation · nucleotide · phosphate · adenine · guanine
amino
Acid in proteins
- peptideShort amino acid chain
- polypeptideAmino acid polymer
- enzymeProtein that hastens reactions
hemoglobin · insulin · collagen · antibody · keratin · myosin · actin · folding · denaturation · quaternary
plastic
Capable of being molded
Teflon · polyurethane · epoxy · silicone · acrylic · polycarbonate · PVC · fiberglass · neoprene · hydrogel
conformation
Structural form or arrangement
- crystallographyStudy of atomic lattices
- quaternaryFourth-order or four-bonded
- tertiaryOf third importance
secondary · folding · domain · subunit · assembly · framework · lattice · binding · active site · motif
- chemicalschemicals, compounds, acids, reagents, solutions
- biochemistryenzymes, proteins, biochemistry, protein, enzyme
- polymerspolymer, elastomers, monomer, polyurethane foam, silicone rubber
macromoleculemonomer
Chain-forming molecule
ion · atom · metabolite · building block · subunit