---
title: "Polymers — AP Biology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Polymers are large molecules built from repeating monomer units. Learn how proteins, DNA, and polysaccharides connect to the origin of life on the AP Bio exam."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-bio/key-terms/polymers"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Biology"
---

# Polymers — AP Biology Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Large molecules made from many smaller units called monomers linked together in a chain. Examples include proteins (polymers of amino acids), DNA (polymers of nucleotides), and polysaccharides (polymers of sugars).

## Related Study Guides

- [Origin of Life on Earth Review](/ap-bio/unit-7/origin-life-on-earth/study-guide/piE4nORgEvSV69tUm5nI)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Protein](/ap-bio/key-terms/protein): A polymer made of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.
- [DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)](/ap-bio/key-terms/dna-deoxyribonucleic-acid): A polymer made up of nucleotides, responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information.
- [Polysaccharide](/ap-bio/key-terms/polysaccharide): A carbohydrate polymer made up of many monosaccharides. Examples include starch, cellulose and glycogen.