macromolecule

[/ˌmækroʊˈmɒlɪkjuːl/]
nounfemininepl: macromolecules / macromoléculas
macromolécula
1. A very large molecule composed of thousands or millions of atoms, typically formed by the polymerization of smaller units (monomers)
Proteins are macromolecules essential for life.
Proteínas são macromoléculas essenciais para a vida.
2. Any large organic compound found in living organisms, such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
DNA is a macromolecule that stores genetic information.
O DNA é uma macromolécula que armazena informações genéticas.
3. A polymeric substance with a high molecular weight and complex structure
The cell membrane contains macromolecules like phospholipids and proteins.
A membrana celular contém macromoléculas como fosfolipídios e proteínas.
The term 'macromolécula' is universally used in Brazilian and Portuguese scientific education. It is a key concept taught in high school biology and chemistry courses. In both countries, understanding macromolecules is fundamental to biochemistry and molecular biology studies. The word is entirely technical with no colloquial usage variations.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
polymerlarge moleculebiological polymercomplex molecule
Antonyms / Antônimos
micromoleculesmall moleculemonomer

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
macromolécula
Standard term used in biology and chemistry education and research
Portugal
macromolécula
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; widely used in scientific contexts
Scientific Communities
macromolécula / macromoléculas
Consistent usage across all Portuguese-speaking countries in academic and scientific literature

Related Words

polymermonomerproteincarbohydratelipidnucleic acidmolecular weightpolymerization

Related Idioms & Phrases

macromolecular complex
macromolecular structure
macromolecular assembly
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