Structure and Function

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Chain Molecule Noun

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[cheyn mol-i-kyool]

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Chain Molecule

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A molecule formed from atoms, such as carbon, bonding together to form a long, continuous chain-like structure.

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Example: This diagram shows how small, individual molecules called monomers (like amino acids) link together to form a long chain molecule called a polymer (like a protein).

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Functional Group Noun

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[funk-shun-ul groop]

Back

Functional Group

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A specific, chemically reactive link within a molecular chain that largely determines the molecule's chemical reactions and properties.

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Example: This diagram shows a special part of a molecule called a functional group (-OH) attached to the rest of the molecule (R), giving it unique properties.

Front

Monomer Noun

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[mon-uh-mer]

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Monomer

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A small molecule that can chemically bond with other identical molecules to form a long chain called a polymer.

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Example: This image shows that a monomer is a single molecular unit, or building block. Many monomers can link together to form a long chain called a polymer.

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Polymer Noun

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[pol-i-mer]

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Polymer

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A large, long-chain molecule made up of many repeating structural units, known as monomers, linked together by bonds.

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Example: A large polymer molecule, like starch, is made of many smaller, repeating monomer units, like glucose, linked together in a chain.

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Organic Molecule Noun

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[or-gan-ik mol-i-kyool]

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Organic Molecule

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A molecule that makes up, or is produced by, living organisms, and is typically based on carbon atoms.

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Example: This diagram shows how small units called amino acids link together to form long chains, creating a large organic molecule called a protein.

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Natural Polymer Noun

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[nach-er-ul pol-i-mer]

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Natural Polymer

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A polymer that is produced by and occurs in nature, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

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Example: This diagram shows that a natural polymer, like a protein, is a large molecule made by linking many small, repeating units called monomers (amino acids).

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Synthetic Polymer Noun

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[sin-thet-ik pol-i-mer]

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Synthetic Polymer

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A polymer that is artificially created by humans in a laboratory or industrial setting, such as plastics and nylon.

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Example: This diagram shows that a synthetic polymer is a long chain made of many identical, smaller molecules called repeating units, using polyvinyl chloride as an example.

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Protein Noun

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[proh-teen]

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Protein

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A type of natural polymer made from amino acid monomers that performs many essential functions within living organisms.

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Example: A chain of amino acids (polypeptide) folds into a specific 3D shape to become an active protein, which allows it to perform its function.

Front

Amino Acid Noun

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[uh-mee-noh as-id]

Back

Amino Acid

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The monomer unit that serves as the fundamental building block for constructing long-chain molecules known as proteins.

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Example: This image shows that just as building blocks connect to form a tower, individual amino acids link together to build a larger protein.

Front

Carbohydrate Noun

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[kar-boh-hy-dreyt]

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Carbohydrate

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A type of natural polymer, essential for energy, made from monosaccharide (simple sugar) monomers linked together.

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Example: This image shows examples of foods that are sources of carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, fruits, and vegetables, which our bodies use for energy.