What term describes molecules that are the building blocks of polymers?

The term that describes molecules which serve as the building blocks of polymers is monomers. Monomers are small, basic units that can join together in various combinations through chemical bonds to form more complex structures known as polymers.

For example, in proteins, amino acids function as monomers that link together via peptide bonds to create polypeptides, which are chains that eventually fold into functional proteins. Similarly, in carbohydrates, simple sugars like glucose act as monomers that can combine to form starch or cellulose.

Understanding the role of monomers is fundamental to studying larger biological molecules, as the properties and functions of the resulting polymer are heavily influenced by the specific monomers used and the way in which they are arranged.