Organic molecules that perform many functions for living things and are made up of amino acid monomers are called

The organic molecules you are referring to are called proteins. Proteins are essential macromolecules that play a wide range of roles in biological organisms. They are composed of long chains of amino acid monomers, which are linked together by peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains.

Proteins serve various functions, including:

1. Structure: They provide support and shape to cells and tissues, such as collagen in connective tissues and keratin in hair and nails.

2. Enzymatic Activity: Many proteins function as enzymes, catalyzing chemical reactions that are vital for metabolic processes.

3. Transport: Some proteins assist in transporting substances across cell membranes or within the bloodstream, such as hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.

4. Defense: Proteins such as antibodies are crucial for the immune response, protecting the body from pathogens.

5. Signaling: Certain proteins function as hormones and receptors, playing key roles in cell communication and regulation.

In summary, proteins are diverse molecules essential for many functions in living organisms, and their unique properties stem from the specific formation and sequence of their amino acid building blocks.