What is the term for a molecule that can react with other molecules to form a polymer?

The term for a molecule that can react with other molecules to form a polymer is "monomer." Monomers are the building blocks of polymers, which are large molecules made up of repeating structural units. Each monomer can chemically bond with other monomers, often through processes like condensation or addition reactions, to create long-chain structures that make up the polymers.

In contrast, polymers are the larger molecules formed from these monomers, while oligomers are shorter chains of monomers that do not reach the length of a polymer. Isomers refer to molecules that have the same chemical formula but different arrangements of atoms, and they do not play a role in the formation of polymers. Understanding these definitions is crucial in grasping how complex biological molecules are constructed and how they function in living organisms.