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Chapter 18: Problem 8

What is meant by the term macromolecule? Are polymers macromolecules? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A macromolecule is a large molecule consisting of numerous smaller units called monomers bonded together, forming a complex and long chain-like structure. Polymers are considered macromolecules as they are made up of many repeated monomers bonded together through polymerization. Examples of polymers include carbohydrate polymers, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Macromolecule

A macromolecule is a very large molecule consisting of numerous smaller units called monomers. These monomers are bonded together through chemical bonds, and they form a complex and often long chain-like structure. Macromolecules are usually formed through a process called polymerization, where multiple monomers are linked together.
02

Polymers and Macromolecules

Polymers are indeed macromolecules. Polymers are large molecules made up of many repeated subunits called monomers, which are bonded together through a process called polymerization. Common examples of polymers are carbohydrate polymers (like cellulose and starch), proteins, and nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA). In conclusion, the term "macromolecule" refers to a very large molecule formed from the binding of numerous smaller monomers. Polymers are considered macromolecules since they're also made of monomers bonded together in a long chain-like structure.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Carbomer, a polymer used to thicken cosmetic lotions and creams, is a polymer of the monomer known as acrylic acid, shown below. Polymerization occurs due to the \(\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{C}\) double bond as it does for polyethylene. (a) Draw the polymer. (b) When this polymer is exposed to aqueous base, it deprotonates, and the resulting carboxylate anion hydrogen bonds to water very well, causing thickening of the aqueous solution. Draw this polymer in its deprotonated form, and show how water would hydrogen bond to it.

What is an amide bond? Show an amide bond between dimethylamine and acetic acid chloride.

When you burn wood, what are you actually burning? What are the combustion products?

What is a monomer? How does a monomer unit differ from a monomer? Give an example of each.

Amino acids are a sort of self-contradiction because they contain both a basic group (the \(\mathrm{NH}_{2}\) end) and an acidic group (the \(\mathrm{CO}_{2} \mathrm{H}\) end \()\) in the same molecule. Therefore, it should not surprise you that, when dissolved in water, an amino acid can react with itself to form what is known as a zwitterion. Based on this information, (a) Draw the structural formula for the form of the amino acid alanine you would expect to find in a neutral water solution. What is the net electrical charge on this species? (b) Enough concentrated \(\mathrm{HCl}\) is added to the solution of part (a) to make it strongly acidic. Draw the structural formula for the form of alanine you expect to find in this solution. What is the net charge on the alanine? (c) Enough concentrated \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) is added to the solution of part (a) to make it strongly basic. Draw the structural formula for the form of alanine you expect to find in this solution. What is the net charge on the alanine now?
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