What are supramolecular complexes primarily composed of?

Supramolecular complexes are primarily composed of collections of two or more macromolecules that interact through non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonds, ionic interactions, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic effects. These interactions allow the individual macromolecules to bind reversibly and assemble into larger, more complex structures.

The formation of supramolecular complexes is critical in biological processes, such as the assembly of proteins into cell structures, the formation of enzyme-substrate complexes, and the organization of nucleic acids. These complexes can have distinct properties and functions that differ from the individual components, which is essential for cellular functionality and regulation.

In contrast, single large macromolecules do not represent the essence of supramolecular complexes, as they do not involve interactions between multiple entities. Small inorganic molecules and polymers only do not encapsulate the broader and more complex interactions found in supramolecular chemistry. Thus, the correct characterization of supramolecular complexes showcases their nature as systems made up of multiple macromolecular components.