When we think “polymer”, we should not limit ourselves to its biological applications; polymers can do so much more. Polymers are the “recipe for life.” We find them everywhere we look. For example, turn to your friend. What is he or she made of? The answer is polymers. Polymers make up essential molecules in our bodies, such as proteins or nucleic acids. They may be microscopic, but their functions in our bodies are important.
Background Information There is so much more to being “biological” than just being related to biology.
Polymer Structure
Biological polymers are large molecules composed of many similar smaller molecules linked together. The individual smaller molecules are called monomers. When small organic molecules are joined together, giant molecules are produced. These giant molecules are fittingly known as macromolecules. Generally, most macromolecules are produced from a small set of about fifty monomers. Different macromolecules vary because of the arrangement of these monomers.
Types of Macromolecules Macromolecules are categorized into four distinct groups: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. These macromolecules are essential to the structure and function of a cell. Despite each serving different …show more content…
Because of their size, carbohydrates have to first be broken down before they can be used the cell. Since the cell membrane is selectively permeable, only molecules that meet a size requirement can enter. Permeability describes the ease with which substances can pass through a border, such as a cell membrane. Permeable means that most substances can easily pass through the membrane. Impermeable means that substances cannot pass through the membrane. Selectively permeable or semipermeable means that only certain substances are able to pass through the
Background Information There is so much more to being “biological” than just being related to biology.
Polymer Structure
Biological polymers are large molecules composed of many similar smaller molecules linked together. The individual smaller molecules are called monomers. When small organic molecules are joined together, giant molecules are produced. These giant molecules are fittingly known as macromolecules. Generally, most macromolecules are produced from a small set of about fifty monomers. Different macromolecules vary because of the arrangement of these monomers.
Types of Macromolecules Macromolecules are categorized into four distinct groups: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. These macromolecules are essential to the structure and function of a cell. Despite each serving different …show more content…
Because of their size, carbohydrates have to first be broken down before they can be used the cell. Since the cell membrane is selectively permeable, only molecules that meet a size requirement can enter. Permeability describes the ease with which substances can pass through a border, such as a cell membrane. Permeable means that most substances can easily pass through the membrane. Impermeable means that substances cannot pass through the membrane. Selectively permeable or semipermeable means that only certain substances are able to pass through the