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Difference Between Polymers And Macromolecules
Differences between polymers and macromolecules
Polymers and macromolecules seem to be similar, but in fact they are different.
A macromolecule is composed of many atoms connected by covalent bonds and has a relatively high molecular weight. It can be a single molecule with a complex and diverse structure, or a combination of different parts. Such as proteins, which are linked by amino acids through peptide bonds, have a unique three-dimensional structure and perform various biological functions. Nucleic acids are also macromolecules, which are polymerized by nucleotides and carry genetic information.
Polymer refers to a product formed by repeating structural units linked by covalent bonds. This repeating unit is called a monomer. During polymerization, monomers react with each other to form long chains or network structures. For example, polyethylene, which is polymerized by ethylene monomer through addition to form a linear long chain structure, has good flexibility and chemical stability, and is widely used in plastic products; polyvinyl chloride, which is polymerized by vinyl chloride monomer, is also widely used, and is commonly used in pipes and plates.
macromolecules are not necessarily all polymers. Some macromolecules, such as some natural macromolecules, have high molecular weight, but do not have repeated monomer structures. Polymers must contain repeated structural units, which is one of the key differences between the two. In addition, polymers can be synthesized, and their properties can be regulated by selecting monomers and polymerization methods; among macromolecules, the synthesis of natural molecules is dominated by complex mechanisms in living organisms.
Importantly, although macromolecules and polymers intersect, their structures, formation methods and characteristics are different. It is of great significance to identify the differences between the two in the research and application of materials science, biochemistry and many other fields.
Polymers and macromolecules seem to be similar, but in fact they are different.
A macromolecule is composed of many atoms connected by covalent bonds and has a relatively high molecular weight. It can be a single molecule with a complex and diverse structure, or a combination of different parts. Such as proteins, which are linked by amino acids through peptide bonds, have a unique three-dimensional structure and perform various biological functions. Nucleic acids are also macromolecules, which are polymerized by nucleotides and carry genetic information.
Polymer refers to a product formed by repeating structural units linked by covalent bonds. This repeating unit is called a monomer. During polymerization, monomers react with each other to form long chains or network structures. For example, polyethylene, which is polymerized by ethylene monomer through addition to form a linear long chain structure, has good flexibility and chemical stability, and is widely used in plastic products; polyvinyl chloride, which is polymerized by vinyl chloride monomer, is also widely used, and is commonly used in pipes and plates.
macromolecules are not necessarily all polymers. Some macromolecules, such as some natural macromolecules, have high molecular weight, but do not have repeated monomer structures. Polymers must contain repeated structural units, which is one of the key differences between the two. In addition, polymers can be synthesized, and their properties can be regulated by selecting monomers and polymerization methods; among macromolecules, the synthesis of natural molecules is dominated by complex mechanisms in living organisms.
Importantly, although macromolecules and polymers intersect, their structures, formation methods and characteristics are different. It is of great significance to identify the differences between the two in the research and application of materials science, biochemistry and many other fields.
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