Makromolekule

Makromolekule, also known as macromolecules, are very large molecules, often polymers, composed of repeating structural units called monomers. The term "macromolecule" is typically used in biology and chemistry to describe molecules with high molecular weights, often in the thousands or millions of atomic mass units. In biological systems, the most common and important macromolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates, such as starch and cellulose, are polymers of monosaccharides like glucose. They serve as energy storage and structural components in organisms. Lipids, while not always strictly polymers, are large molecules essential for cell membranes, energy storage, and signaling. Proteins are complex macromolecules made from chains of amino acids, performing a vast array of functions including enzymatic activity, structural support, and transport. Nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, are polymers of nucleotides and carry genetic information.

The synthesis of macromolecules in biological systems is typically achieved through polymerization reactions, often involving dehydration synthesis where water molecules are removed. The breakdown of these large molecules occurs through hydrolysis, where water is added to break the bonds between monomers. The specific sequence and arrangement of monomers within a macromolecule determine its unique properties and function. Understanding macromolecules is fundamental to comprehending the structure and function of living organisms and many industrial materials.