Macromolecules: Difference between revisions
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The literal definition of the term '''macromolecule''' implies any large [[molecule]]. In the context of [[science]] and [[engineering]], the term may be applied to conventional [[polymers]] and [[biopolymers]] (such as [[DNA]]) as well as non-polymeric molecules with large molecular mass such as [[lipids]] or [[macrocycles]]. | The literal definition of the term '''macromolecule''' implies any large [[molecule]], typically understood to be 1000 Daltons or greater. In the context of [[science]] and [[engineering]], the term may be applied to conventional [[polymers]] and [[biopolymers]] (such as [[DNA]] or [[proteins]]) as well as non-polymeric molecules with large molecular mass such as [[lipids]] or [[macrocycles]]. Other large atomic networks, such as [[metal|metallic]] covalent networks or [[fullerenes]], are not generally described as macromolecules. The term macromolecule was coined by [[Nobel Prize|Nobel]] laureate [[Hermann Staudinger]] in the [[1920]]s. | ||
==Usage== | ==Usage== | ||
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The use of the term macromolecule varies subtly from discipline to discipline. From the strict perspective of [[chemistry]], a "molecule" is comprised of a number of atoms linked by covalent bonds. In [[biology]] and [[biochemistry]], however, the term '''macromolecule''' may refer to aggregates of two or more macromolecules held together by [[intermolecular force]]s rather than [[covalent bond]]s but which do not readily dissociate. <ref>van Holde, K.E. ''Principles of Physical Biochemistry'' Prentice Hall: New Jersey, 1998</ref> | The use of the term macromolecule varies subtly from discipline to discipline. From the strict perspective of [[chemistry]], a "molecule" is comprised of a number of atoms linked by covalent bonds. In [[biology]] and [[biochemistry]], however, the term '''macromolecule''' may refer to aggregates of two or more macromolecules held together by [[intermolecular force]]s rather than [[covalent bond]]s but which do not readily dissociate. <ref>van Holde, K.E. ''Principles of Physical Biochemistry'' Prentice Hall: New Jersey, 1998</ref> | ||
According to the recommended [[IUPAC]] definition the term macromolecule as used in polymer science refers only to a single molecule. For example, a single polymeric molecule is appropriately described as a "macromolecule" or "polymer molecule" rather than a "polymer", which suggests a substance composed of macromolecules. <ref>[http://www.iupac.org/reports/1996/6812jenkins/6812basicterms.pdf Link]</ref>. | According to the recommended [[IUPAC]] definition the term macromolecule as used in [[polymer science]] refers only to a single molecule. For example, a single polymeric molecule is appropriately described as a "macromolecule" or "polymer molecule" rather than a "polymer", which suggests a substance composed of macromolecules. <ref>[http://www.iupac.org/reports/1996/6812jenkins/6812basicterms.pdf Link]</ref>. | ||
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Revision as of 02:23, 3 April 2007
The literal definition of the term macromolecule implies any large molecule, typically understood to be 1000 Daltons or greater. In the context of science and engineering, the term may be applied to conventional polymers and biopolymers (such as DNA or proteins) as well as non-polymeric molecules with large molecular mass such as lipids or macrocycles. Other large atomic networks, such as metallic covalent networks or fullerenes, are not generally described as macromolecules. The term macromolecule was coined by Nobel laureate Hermann Staudinger in the 1920s.
Usage
The use of the term macromolecule varies subtly from discipline to discipline. From the strict perspective of chemistry, a "molecule" is comprised of a number of atoms linked by covalent bonds. In biology and biochemistry, however, the term macromolecule may refer to aggregates of two or more macromolecules held together by intermolecular forces rather than covalent bonds but which do not readily dissociate. [1]
According to the recommended IUPAC definition the term macromolecule as used in polymer science refers only to a single molecule. For example, a single polymeric molecule is appropriately described as a "macromolecule" or "polymer molecule" rather than a "polymer", which suggests a substance composed of macromolecules. [2].