Macromolecule

1. Definition and Properties of Macromolecules:
– Term ‘macromolecule’ coined by Hermann Staudinger in the 1920s
– Macromolecules may refer to aggregates of molecules held by intermolecular forces
– Unusual physical properties not seen in smaller molecules
– Often insoluble in water, forming colloids
– Alter reaction rates through macromolecular crowding
– Denaturation of proteins at extreme solute concentrations

2. Biopolymers – DNA, RNA, and Proteins:
– Living organisms depend on DNA, RNA, and proteins for biological functions
– DNA makes RNA, and RNA makes proteins in a cell
– DNA, RNA, and proteins are unbranched polymers
– DNA encodes genetic information for life processes
– DNA is double-stranded for redundancy in genetic information
– Proteins fold into diverse three-dimensional shapes for specific functions

3. Optimization of DNA and Proteins:
– DNA encodes complete set of instructions for living organisms
– DNA has greater stability than RNA due to absence of 2-hydroxyl group
– DNA has surveillance and repair systems for maintaining genetic integrity
– Proteins catalyze biochemical reactions essential for life
– Amino acid composition allows proteins to act as enzymes
– Proteins fold into diverse three-dimensional shapes for specific functions

4. Branched Biopolymers and Synthetic Macromolecules:
– Raspberry ellagitannin, carbohydrate macromolecules, and polyphenols
– Polysaccharides serve as energy stores and structural components
– Synthetic polymers, graphene, and carbon nanotubes
– Incorporating inorganic elements for property tunability
– Geopolymers and polyphenylene dendrimers as examples

5. Additional Information and References:
– List of biophysically important macromolecular crystal structures
– Small molecule and soft matter
– Various references on biochemistry, nanotechnology, polymer science, and physical biochemistry
– Books and articles covering the origin of the polymer concept
– External links for further study and resources on macromolecules

Macromolecule (Wikipedia)

"Macromolecules" redirects here. For the journal, see Macromolecules (journal).

"Macromolecular chemistry" redirects here. For the journal formerly known as Macromolecular Chemistry, see Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics.

A macromolecule is a very large molecule important to biological processes, such as a protein or nucleic acid. It is composed of thousands of covalently bonded atoms. Many macromolecules are polymers of smaller molecules called monomers. The most common macromolecules in biochemistry are biopolymers (nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates) and large non-polymeric molecules such as lipids, nanogels and macrocycles. Synthetic fibers and experimental materials such as carbon nanotubes are also examples of macromolecules.