* Proteins: The monomers of proteins are amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids that can be combined in various sequences to create a vast array of proteins.
* Lipids: Lipids are a diverse group, but the most common monomers are glycerol and fatty acids. These combine to form triglycerides, the main component of fats and oils.
* Carbohydrates: The monomers of carbohydrates are monosaccharides, simple sugars like glucose, fructose, and galactose. These can link together to form disaccharides (like sucrose) and polysaccharides (like starch and cellulose).
* Nucleic acids: The monomers of nucleic acids are nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, or uracil). These combine to form DNA and RNA, which carry genetic information.
Key takeaway: Monomers are the building blocks of all macromolecules. They join together to form larger, more complex structures.
