Macromolecule Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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macromolecule
[ˌmakrəʊˈmɒlɪkjuːl ]
Definition
biology
A very large molecule, such as a protein, nucleic acid, or synthetic polymer, built up from smaller chemical structures.
Synonyms
giant molecule, macroscopic molecule, polymer.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| macromolecule |
Commonly used in scientific contexts to describe large complex molecules typically found in biology, such as proteins and nucleic acids.
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| polymer |
Refers to substances whose molecules have high molar masses and are composed of a large number of repeating units (monomers), often used in material sciences and industrial contexts.
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| giant molecule |
Often used in chemistry to emphasize the large size of a molecule, usually in comparison to more common molecules.
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| macroscopic molecule |
Used to describe large molecules visible or measurable on a macroscopic scale, suitable for emphasizing their size relative to smaller particles.
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Examples of usage
- DNA is a macromolecule that carries genetic information.
- Proteins are macromolecules made up of amino acids.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Macromolecules include proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, which are essential for life.
- Proteins, as macromolecules, are made of long chains of amino acids and play roles in almost every cellular function.
- Nucleic acids like DNA and RNA are macromolecules that carry genetic information crucial for all living organisms.
Biology
- Living cells are constructed from macromolecules that provide structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.
- Carbohydrates, a category of macromolecules, serve as a primary energy source for many organisms.
- Lipids, another category, are not only energy storage but also vital for forming cell membranes.
Medicine
- Certain macromolecules are used in drug development; for instance, protein therapies target specific diseases at the cellular level.
- Understanding macromolecules helps scientists develop vaccines, such as those based on proteins or sugars that evoke immune responses.
- Genetic therapies often involve manipulating nucleic acids, a type of macromolecule, to correct genetic disorders.
Technology
- Materials science has grown significantly with the discovery and manipulation of synthetic macromolecules known as polymers.
- Smart materials, often made from macromolecules, can change properties in response to environmental changes, useful in various applications.
- Nanotechnology often explores the behavior of macromolecules at nanoscale, leading to advancements in electronics and medicine.
Origin of 'macromolecule'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'macromolecule' comes from the Greek word 'macro,' meaning large, and 'molecule,' referring to the smallest unit of a chemical compound.
- It was first used in the scientific community in the early 20th century to describe large and complex compounds.
- The prefix 'macro-' helps distinguish these large structures from regular molecules.
The term 'macromolecule' was first introduced by Nobel laureate Hermann Staudinger in the 1920s. Staudinger's work on polymers and large molecules revolutionized the field of chemistry and biochemistry. The concept of macromolecules has since become fundamental in understanding biological processes and materials science.
See also: molecular, molecularly.