What are macromolecules primarily composed of?

Macromolecules are large, complex molecules that play critical roles in biological processes. They are primarily composed of thousands of covalently connected atoms, forming structures such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. The covalent bonds that link these atoms together allow macromolecules to maintain their structural integrity and perform their specific functions in living organisms.

For instance, proteins are made of long chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds (a type of covalent bond), while nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, consist of long chains of nucleotides. The size and complexity of these molecules arise from the extensive network of covalent connections, which can lead to diverse three-dimensional structures essential for their biological functions.

Other options present limitations that do not accurately represent the nature of macromolecules. For example, monosaccharides and triglycerides are components or simpler molecules but do not account for the overall structure of macromolecules. Ionic bonds are not the primary type of linkages found in macromolecules; rather, covalent bonds are dominant. Simple organic compounds refer to smaller molecules that do not encapsulate the complexity and scale that characterize macromolecules. Thus, the emphasis on thousands of covalently connected atoms effectively captures the