Etymology
The word "macromolecule" is derived from the Greek words "makros," meaning "large," and "molekulon," meaning "molecule."
Meaning
A macromolecule is a very large molecule, typically composed of thousands to millions of atoms. Macromolecules are the building blocks of all living organisms and perform essential functions within cells.
Origin
The term "macromolecule" was coined in 1922 by the Swedish chemist Herman Staudinger. Staudinger was investigating the properties of polymers, which are large molecules composed of repeating units. He recognized that these polymers had unique properties that set them apart from smaller molecules.
Initially, Staudinger's theory of macromolecules was met with skepticism by other scientists. However, experiments conducted in the 1930s and 1940s confirmed his findings. The discovery of macromolecules had a profound impact on the field of chemistry and paved the way for the understanding of biological systems.
Examples
Some examples of macromolecules include:
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