Proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids are the four major classes of biological macromolecules—large molecules necessary for life that are built from smaller organic molecules. When polymers are broken down into smaller units (monomers), a molecule of water is used for each bond broken by these reactions; such reactions are known as hydrolysis reactions.

Dehydration and hydrolysis reactions are similar for all macromolecules, but each monomer and polymer reaction is specific to its class. Macromolecules are made up of single units known as monomers that are joined by covalent bonds to form larger polymers.

biological macromolecule — large molecule necessary for life that is built from smaller organic molecules. carbohydrate — biological macromolecule in which the ratio of carbon to hydrogen and to oxygen is 1:2:1; carbohydrates serve as energy sources and structural support in cells and form the a…. polymer — chain of monomer residues that is linked by covalent bonds; polymerization is the process of polymer formation from monomers by condensation. molecule of water — used for each bond broken by these reactions; such reactions are known as hydrolysis reactions.