monomers
Chain link precursors
Monomers are small molecules that can bond together to form larger chain-like molecules called polymers.
The term comes from Greek roots meaning "single part." Amino acids are monomers that link into protein chains; glucose molecules are monomers that combine into starch or cellulose.
The plastic is made from petroleum-based monomers.
Aromatic hydrocarbon for plastics
- ethyleneSimplest alkene, C₂H₄
- propyleneUnsaturated three-carbon hydrocarbon
- vinyl chlorideToxic PVC monomer
- acrylamideHeat-generated food contaminant
isoprene · butadiene · formaldehyde · phenol · urea · ethene · propene
Organic compounds forming proteins
- nucleotidesDNA and RNA subunits
- glucosePrimary cellular fuel
- ribosePentose in nucleotides
- glycerolTrihydric alcohol, viscous, sweet
fatty acids · monosaccharides · purines · adenine · thymine · cytosine · guanine · uracil
Basic units for construction
- subunitsComponent parts of larger units
- functional groupsReactive atomic arrangements in molecules
- molecular weightTotal mass of atoms
- unsaturatedNot fully saturated
Thermoplastic from ethylene gas
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
- polystyreneLightweight synthetic foam plastic
- PVCChlorinated plastic abbreviation
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
PET · acrylic · polyurethane · rubber · silicone · polyester · polyamide · polycarbonate
Joining quantities mathematically
- condensationVapor turning to liquid
- radicalRoot-indicating symbol
- initiatorOne who starts something
- catalystAgent enabling change
propagation · termination · crosslinking · reactivity · ring-opening · emulsion
styrene
Aromatic hydrocarbon for plastics
- ethyleneSimplest alkene, C₂H₄
- propyleneUnsaturated three-carbon hydrocarbon
- vinyl chlorideToxic PVC monomer
acrylamide · isoprene · butadiene · formaldehyde · phenol · urea · ethene · propene
amino acids
Organic compounds forming proteins
- nucleotidesDNA and RNA subunits
- glucosePrimary cellular fuel
- ribosePentose in nucleotides
glycerol · fatty acids · monosaccharides · purines · adenine · thymine · cytosine · guanine · uracil · alanine
building blocks
Basic units for construction
- subunitsComponent parts of larger units
- functional groupsReactive atomic arrangements in molecules
- molecular weightTotal mass of atoms
unsaturated · double bonds · hydroxyl · carboxyl · precursors
polyethylene
Thermoplastic from ethylene gas
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
- polystyreneLightweight synthetic foam plastic
- PVCChlorinated plastic abbreviation
nylon · PET · acrylic · polyurethane · rubber · silicone · polyester · polyamide · polycarbonate · polyisoprene
addition
Joining quantities mathematically
- condensationVapor turning to liquid
- radicalRoot-indicating symbol
- initiatorOne who starts something
catalyst · propagation · termination · crosslinking · reactivity · ring-opening · emulsion
- chemicalschemicals, compounds, acids, reagents, solutions
- dental materialsamalgam, composite, resin, acrylic, ceramic
- petroleumcrude oil, crude, petroleum, oil wells, oil fields
- biochemistryenzymes, proteins, biochemistry, protein, enzyme
- chemical additivesadditives, plasticizers, stabilizers, antioxidants, preservatives
- life originsabiogenesis, biogenesis, primordial soup, panspermia, origin of life
monomerspolymers
Large chain-like molecules
macromolecules · polysaccharides · proteins · nucleic acids · copolymers