Basics of Biology

Molecules and Biology

What is a macromolecule?

Macromolecules are literally “giant” polymers made from the chemical linking of smaller units called monomers. To be considered a macromolecule, a molecule has to have a molecular weight greater than 1,000 daltons. (A dalton is a standard unit of measurement and refers to the mass of a proton; it can be used interchangeably with the words “atomic mass unit” [amu]).