A macromolecule is composed of smaller units called?
To find the answer to your question, one can start by breaking down the term "macromolecule." The prefix "macro-" typically denotes something large or extensive. In the context of chemistry, a macromolecule is a type of biomolecule that consists of repeating subunits called monomers.
To find out what smaller units compose a macromolecule, we need to identify the different types of macromolecules. There are four primary macromolecules found in organisms: proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), carbohydrates, and lipids.
- Proteins are composed of smaller units called amino acids.
- Nucleic acids are composed of smaller units called nucleotides.
- Carbohydrates are composed of smaller units called monosaccharides (simple sugars).
- Lipids do not have repeating subunits in the same way as proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. Instead, lipids consist of diverse structures, including fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols.
So, in summary, a macromolecule is composed of smaller units called amino acids (for proteins), nucleotides (for nucleic acids), monosaccharides (for carbohydrates), and various components (such as fatty acids) for lipids.