Monomers are the small, basic building blocks that combine to form larger molecules called polymers. Think of monomers like individual Lego bricks; when you connect them together, they create complex structures. Common examples of monomers include glucose, which can link to form starch, and amino acids, which join to create proteins. These tiny units play a crucial role in many biological processes. For instance, when monomers bond together through chemical reactions, they can create materials with unique properties, such as the flexibility of rubber or the strength of nylon. Understanding monomers helps scientists develop new materials and improve existing ones.