Macromoecules

A macromolecule is a class of large molecules that are very important biologically. These molecules are involved in all of the structures and processes of cells and organisms. A monomer is any of several small molecular structures that ay be chemically bonded together to form long multi-part polymer molecules. A polymer is a large molecule made up of similar or identical submits called monomers. The four main types of macromolecules are proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Each perform specific functions for cells and each type usually has more than one function. Macromolecules are shown to undergo a reaction that is catalyzed by a polymerase enzyme. Monomers are joined together by a process called dehydration synthesis also called a condensation reaction, where a covalent bond is formed between the two monomers while a water molecule is also formed by a polymerase enzyme. Polymers are broken down by hydrolysis reactions, where the addition of a water molecule breaks the covalent bond holding the monomers together.