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Chitin is one of many naturally occurring polymers. It forms a structural component of many animals, such as exoskeletons. Over time it is bio-degradable in the natural environment. Its breakdown may be catalyzed by enzymes called chitinases, secreted by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi and produced by some plants.
Polymers, both natural and synthetic, are created via polymerization of many small molecules, known as monomers. Their consequently large molecular mass , relative to small molecule compounds , produces unique physical properties including toughness , high elasticity , viscoelasticity , and a tendency to form amorphous and semicrystalline ...
Many macromolecules are polymers of smaller molecules called monomers. The most common macromolecules in biochemistry are biopolymers (nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates) and large non-polymeric molecules such as lipids, nanogels and macrocycles. [1]
In molecular biology and pharmacology, a small molecule or micromolecule is a low molecular weight (≤ 1000 daltons [1]) organic compound that may regulate a biological process, with a size on the order of 1 nm [citation needed]. Many drugs are small molecules; the terms are equivalent in the literature.
Food: Biopolymers are being used in the food industry for things like packaging, edible encapsulation films and coating foods. Polylactic acid (PLA) is very common in the food industry due to is clear color and resistance to water. However, most polymers have a hydrophilic nature and start deteriorating when exposed to moisture. Biopolymers are ...
It consists of two types of molecules: the linear and helical amylose and the branched amylopectin. Depending on the plant, starch generally contains 20 to 25% amylose and 75 to 80% amylopectin by weight. [4] Glycogen, the energy reserve of animals, is a more highly branched version of amylopectin.
Editor’s note: The podcast Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores the medical science behind some of life’s mysteries big and small. You can listen to episodes here. (CNN) — We are very ...
Shorter polysaccharides, with 3 to 10 monomers, are called oligosaccharides. [12] A fluorescent indicator-displacement molecular imprinting sensor was developed for discriminating saccharides. It successfully discriminated three brands of orange juice beverage. [ 13 ]