|
| Polymer | Monomer | Function(s) |
|
| Nuclei acids (DNA and RNA) | Nucleotides | Carriers of genetic information, universally recognized in all organisms |
| Proteins | α-aminoacids | Biological catalysis (enzymes), growth factors, receptors, structural materials (wool, leather, silk, hair, and connective tissue); hormones (insulin); toxins; antibodies |
| Polysaccharides (Carbohydrates) | Sugars | Structural materials in plants and some higher organisms (cellulose and chitin); energy storage materials (starch and glycogen); molecular recognition (blood types); bacterial secretions |
| Polyhydroxylalkanates | Fatty acids | Microbial energy reserve materials |
| Polyphenols | Phenols | Structural materials in plants (lignin); soil structure (peat and humics); plant defense mechanisms (tannins) |
| Polyphosphates | Phosphates | Inorganic energy storage materials |
| Polysulfates | Sulfates | Inorganic energy storage materials |
|