Description: An oligomer is a molecule composed of a small number of repeating units, which can be monomers or subunits. These units are linked by covalent bonds, forming structures that are more complex than individual monomers but less complex than polymers. In biochemistry, oligomers are of particular interest due to their role in various biological functions and their ability to interact with other molecules. For example, nucleotide oligomers are fundamental in the formation of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, where they group into specific sequences to encode genetic information. Additionally, oligomers can be used in biomolecular research to study molecular interactions, as well as in drug development and gene therapies. Their size and structure allow them to have unique properties that are leveraged in various scientific and technological applications.
