What is the term for a chain of monomers?

The correct term for a chain of monomers is a polymer. Polymers are large molecules formed by the repetitive linking of smaller units called monomers. This process, known as polymerization, can occur in a variety of ways, leading to a diverse range of polymer types with unique properties and functions. Polymers are essential in biological systems, forming the basis for structures such as proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.

Oligomers, though similar, refer specifically to shorter chains of monomers, typically consisting of a few units, usually between two and twenty. Macromolecules encompass a broader category that includes polymers, indicating very large molecules without specifying that they are chains of monomers. Nucleotides are specifically the monomer units that make up nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, not a term for a chain itself. Therefore, polymer is the most accurate answer for a chain of monomers.