14.8Macromolecules

Macromolecules

Macromolecules are large molecules built up from small units (monomers). Different macromolecules have different units and/or different linkages (that’s all you have to know!) For example glucose (the small unit) can join together to make starch or cellulose (natural macromolecules). (NOTE: diamonds are other examples of macromolecules).

Examples of the small units:

-glucose

-amino acids

-fatty acids and glycerol

 

Examples of linkages:

-amide

-ester

 

Examples of macromolecules:

-protein

-starch

-lipids