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Introduction To: Macromolecular
A Macromolecular is a very large molecule, such as a protein. They are made up of thousands of covalently bonded atoms. Many macromolecules are polymers composed of smaller molecules known as monomers. Biopolymers (nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates) and large non-polymeric molecules such as lipids, nanogels, and macrocycles are the most common macromolecules in biochemistry. Examples of macromolecules include synthetic fibres and experimental materials such as carbon nanotubes.
The term is used differently in different disciplines to describe large molecules. For example, while biology defines macromolecules as the four large molecules that make up living things, in chemistry, the term may refer to aggregates of two or more molecules held together by intermolecular forces rather than covalent bonds but that do not easily dissociate. The term macromolecule, as used in polymer science, refers to a single molecule, according to the standard IUPAC definition. For example, rather than “polymer,” which implies a substance composed of macromolecules, a single polymeric molecule is appropriately described as a “macromolecule” or “polymer molecule.”
Macromolecules frequently exhibit unusual physical properties that smaller molecules do not.
Another common macromolecular property that does not distinguish smaller molecules is their relative insolubility in water and similar solvents, resulting in the formation of colloids.
Many of them require salts or specific ions to dissolve in water.
Types of Macromolecules
According to mammalian systems, there are three types of biological macromolecules:
- Carbohydrates
- The nucleic acids
- Proteins
- Lipids
These are classified separately in various sections of a course. Because the principles governing the organization of three-dimensional structures are the same for all of them, we can consider them together.
Macromolecular Examples
The following are some of the most common macromolecules:
Fibres Synthetics
Nylon, rayon, and spandex are all made up entirely of macromolecules. These are created in the following steps: When monomers react, they form prepolymers or a liquid, primitive macromolecule.
Transfer of Genes
DNA is a type of genetic material that contains nucleic acids that code for genetic information. During meiosis, the DNA is no longer complete, and the nucleotides that remain are in charge of transferring genetic information to the gametes.
Polymers and monomers
Macromolecules are essentially polymers, which are long chains of molecular subunits known as monomers. Long polymers are found in carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. They are referred to as macromolecules due to their polymeric nature and large size.
Industrial Applications of Macromolecular
Apart from biological macromolecules, there are three major groups of macromolecules that are essential in the industry. Plastics, fibres, and elastomers are examples of these. Elastomers are flexible and stretchy macromolecules. Because of their elasticity, these materials can be used in products such as hair bands and elastic waistbands. When these objects are stretched, they return to their original structure. We are clothed in fibre macromolecules. Nylon, polyester, and acrylic fibres are used in a variety of products ranging from blouses to belts to shirts and shoes. Wool, cotton, and silk are examples of natural fibres. As a result, many of the objects we use today are composed of macromolecules.
Many types of plastics are created through the polymerization process, which involves the joining of monomer units from plastic products.
FAQs
Question. What are the names of four important biological macromolecules?
Answer: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, The nucleic acid
Question. What is a macromolecule example?
Answer: Examples of Macromolecules
Macromolecules include proteins, DNA, RNA, and plastics. Macromolecules include many carbohydrates and lipids.
What role do macromolecules play?
The majority of biological nutrients are macromolecules that the body uses to carry out various life activities. These are created by combining monomers.
Also Read: Important Topic of Chemistry – Covalent Bond
