RNA is multifunctional[edit]

RNA is multifunctional, its primary function is to encode proteins, according to the instructions
within a cell’s DNA.[1]:5 They control and regulate many aspects of protein synthesis
in eukaryotes.
RNA encodes genetic information that can be translated into the amino acid sequence of
proteins, as evidenced by the messenger RNA molecules present within every cell, and the RNA
genomes of a large number of viruses. The single-stranded nature of RNA, together with
tendency for rapid breakdown and a lack of repair systems means that RNA is not so well suited
for the long-term storage of genetic information as is DNA.
In addition, RNA is a single-stranded polymer that can, like proteins, fold into a very large
number of three-dimensional structures. Some of these structures provide binding sites for other
molecules and chemically-active centers that can catalyze specific chemical reactions on those
bound molecules. The limited number of different building blocks of RNA (4 nucleotides vs >20
amino acids in proteins), together with their lack of chemical diversity, results in catalytic RNA
(ribozymes) being generally less-effective catalysts than proteins for most biological reactions.
The Major Macromolecule:

Macromolecule Building Block

Bonds that Join them
(Monomer)
(Polymer)

Proteins Amino acids Peptide

Nucleic acids Phoshodiester
Nucleotides (a phoshate, ribose, and
DNA a base- adenine, guanine,thymine, or
cytosine)
Nucleotides (a phoshate, ribose, and
RNA a base- adenine, guanine,thymine, or
cytosine)
Polysaccharides Monosaccharides Glycosidic
unlike the other macromolecules, Some lipids are held together by ester
lipids are not defined by chemical bonds; some are huge aggregates of
Lipids
Structure. Lipids are any organic small molecules held together by
nonpolar molecule. hydrophobic interactions.

Branched biopolymers[edit]

Raspberry ellagitannin, a tannin composed of core of glucose units surrounded by gallic acid esters and
ellagic acid units

Carbohydrate macromolecules (polysaccharides) are formed from polymers

of monosaccharides.[1]:11 Because monosaccharides have multiple functional groups,
polysaccharides can form linear polymers (e.g. cellulose) or complex branched structures
(e.g. glycogen). Polysaccharides perform numerous roles in living organisms, acting as energy
stores (e.g. starch) and as structural components (e.g. chitin in arthropods and fungi). Many
carbohydrates contain modified monosaccharide units that have had functional groups replaced
or removed.
Polyphenols consist of a branched structure of multiple phenolic subunits. They can perform
structural roles (e.g. lignin) as well as roles as secondary metabolites involved
in signalling, pigmentation and defense.

Synthetic macromolecules[edit]

Structure of a polyphenylene dendrimer macromolecule reported by Müllen, et al.[14]

Some examples of macromolecules are synthetic polymers (plastics, synthetic fibers,

and synthetic rubber), graphene, and carbon nanotubes. Polymers may be prepared from
inorganic matter as well as for instance in inorganic polymers and geopolymers. The
incorporation of inorganic elements enables the tunability of properties and/or responsive
behavior as for instance in smart inorganic polymers.