A polymer with a high molecular mass that includes carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids is known as what?

Study for the Keystone Biology Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Enhance your readiness for the exam!

The term refers to large molecules characterized by their high molecular mass and complex structures. Macromolecules are vital in biology, and they include the major classes of biomolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Each of these classes serves essential functions in living organisms, from providing energy (carbohydrates) and structural support (proteins and lipids) to encoding genetic information (nucleic acids).

Carbohydrates often form polymers known as polysaccharides, such as starch and glycogen, but not all macromolecules fall under this category. The other terms here, like micromolecule and small molecule, categorize substances of much smaller size and simpler structure compared to macromolecules, which are defined by their complex arrangements and larger scales. Thus, the correct term to describe a polymer that encompasses these four major classes of biological molecules is macromolecule.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy