Polymer vs. Macromolecule: What's the Difference?

  • Context: Biology 
  • Thread starter Thread starter mcconnellalex01
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Polymer
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between polymers and macromolecules, emphasizing that while all polymers are macromolecules, not all macromolecules are polymers. The key differentiator is the structural composition and types of bonds present. Polymers consist of repeating units, while macromolecules encompass a broader category that includes proteins and nucleic acids, which may not exhibit the chain-like structure typical of polymers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical bonding types (covalent, ionic, etc.)
  • Familiarity with molecular structure concepts
  • Basic knowledge of organic chemistry
  • Awareness of biopolymers and their classifications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the classification of macromolecules in biochemistry
  • Explore the types of bonds in polymer chemistry
  • Learn about the synthesis and properties of different polymers
  • Investigate examples of non-polymeric macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and professionals in materials science or biochemistry seeking to deepen their understanding of molecular structures and classifications.

mcconnellalex01
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
I was asked which of these is NOT a polymer and I'm not sure how to answer it.
A.) Camp-Stove fuel
B.) Polyester
C.) DNA
D.) Starch
E.) Plastic
Relevant Equations
A polymer is a useful chemical made of many repeating units
A macromolecule is a chain of many different units
I am aware that there is a difference between a polymer and a macromolecule (due to types of bonds, structure, etc.) but all of these seem to be chains like polymers to me. I know that is incorrect because there is no option for all of the above.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Maybe if you consider in more detail what each of the possible answers is made of.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: mcconnellalex01 and Bystander
Hi McC:

Here is a hint. The key word is "many".

Regards,
Buzz
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: mcconnellalex01
Gotcha, thank you!
 

Similar threads

Coursework Chemistry Project -- Idendification of different types of polymer
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
C/C++ Polymer simulation source code in C++ and Python
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Is a tennis ball technically a composite or a polymer?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Polymer Physics: molar mass, polymerization
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
What Are the Combinatorial Possibilities of Glucose Polymers with n Monomers?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Chemistry How to understand hybridization in ##CH_3NNN##?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
PVC Induction Heating Coil Design (early thoughts)
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
4K
Ways of joining two different polymers
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
What is a polymer and when a substance is not a polymer?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K
Materials - Modulus of polymer and metal
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K