Monomers are small, simple molecules that serve as the building blocks for larger structures called polymers. They can join together through chemical reactions to form long chains or networks, creating materials with various properties. Common examples of monomers include glucose, which can form starch, and ethylene, which can polymerize to create polyethylene. In nature and industry, monomers play a crucial role in the synthesis of many substances. They are found in biological macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids, as well as in synthetic materials like plastics and rubbers. Understanding monomers is essential for fields such as chemistry, biology, and materials science.