macromolecule
/ˈmæk.rəʊˌmɒl.ɪ.kjuːl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmæk.roʊˌmɑː.lɪ.kjuːl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌma-krō-ˈmä-li-ˌkyü(ə)l/ (ame, mw)
macromolecule — noun
- macromoleculesingular
- macromoleculesplural
1. A molecule of very large size, created when many smaller molecules join together
A molecule of very large size, created when many smaller molecules join together through chemical bonds. Macromolecules such as proteins, DNA, and synthetic polymers form the basic structures of living cells and many manufactured materials.
Dr. Chen explained that proteins are a type of macromolecule found in every living cell.
collocation: a type of macromolecule
The biology textbook described how DNA is a macromolecule made of many smaller units.
In the lab, the research team studied how a macromolecule can carry medicine through the body.
Starch and cellulose are both macromolecules that plants use to store energy.
Modern plastics are macromolecules made from long chains of small units.
- polymer
more specific — all polymers are macromolecules, but many naturally occurring macromolecules like proteins and DNA are not always referred to as polymers in everyday scientific usage
- micromolecule
a small molecule of low molecular weight, such as water, glucose, or amino acids
文法句型
macromolecule + of + [substance]
[example substance] + is a + macromolecule
用法筆記
Common in scientific writing about biology and chemistry. Countable noun — one macromolecule, two macromolecules.