Makromolekülen

Makromolekülen, often translated as macromolecules, are very large molecules, typically polymers, composed of repeating structural units called monomers. These large molecules play fundamental roles in all known forms of life and are essential for biological structures and functions. The term "macro" signifies their immense size compared to ordinary molecules.

In biology, the four major classes of macromolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Carbohydrates, like polysaccharides, are made up of monosaccharide monomers and serve as energy storage and structural components. Lipids, though not always strictly polymers in the same sense as the others, are large molecules that include fats, waxes, steroids, and phospholipids, and are crucial for cell membranes, energy storage, and signaling. Proteins are polymers of amino acids, performing a vast array of functions including enzymatic activity, structural support, and transport. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are polymers of nucleotides and are responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information.

The synthesis of macromolecules from their smaller monomer units is a process known as polymerization. This process often occurs through dehydration synthesis, where a water molecule is removed to form a new covalent bond between monomers. Conversely, the breakdown of macromolecules into their constituent monomers occurs through hydrolysis, where a water molecule is added to break a covalent bond. The specific sequence and arrangement of monomers in a macromolecule determine its unique three-dimensional structure and, consequently, its function.