Macromolecule: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in scientific contexts to describe large complex molecules typically found in biology, such as proteins and nucleic acids.

• DNA is a macromolecule essential for all known forms of life.
• Researchers studied the structure of the macromolecule to understand its function.

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.

• Plastics are made from synthetic polymers.
• The team developed a new polymer to improve the durability of the material.

Often used in chemistry to emphasize the large size of a molecule, usually in comparison to more common molecules.

• A diamond is composed of a giant molecule where each carbon atom is bonded to four others.
• They observed the behavior of giant molecules in various chemical reactions.

Used to describe large molecules visible or measurable on a macroscopic scale, suitable for emphasizing their size relative to smaller particles.

• The macroscopic molecule could be seen with the use of specialized equipment.
• Macroscopic molecules have unique properties that differ from smaller molecules.