supermolecule
- noun
- /ˈsuːpərˌmoʊkjul/
- Specialized
- Researchers are studying how a supermolecule can self-assemble in biological systems.
Examples
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Proteins are one type of supermolecule essential for life.
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DNA is often cited as a classic example of a biological supermolecule.
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A supermolecule can consist of thousands of atoms.
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The research team discovered a new supermolecule in the lab.
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Scientists are studying how supermolecules play a role in cellular function.
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The development of new drugs often involves creating supermolecules that can target specific diseases.
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Supermolecules can exhibit unique properties that are not found in their smaller counterparts.
Synonyms
A very large molecule made of many small repeated parts, like plastics or proteins
A molecule that living things make, like proteins or DNA
A very large chemical made of many smaller parts like proteins or DNA
A long chain of amino acids that helps cells work and keep their shape
A group of proteins that join to work together in a cell
How Large
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word supermolecule comes from super- ('above' or 'beyond') and molecule ('a small unit of matter'), so it means a 'super' or larger molecule made of many smaller molecules, which is why we use it for big, complex molecules in living things.