What do we call a naturally occurring or synthetic compound consisting of large molecules made up of linked simple monomers?

The term for a naturally occurring or synthetic compound that consists of large molecules made up of linked simple monomers is a polymer. Polymers are formed through a process called polymerization, where smaller units called monomers are chemically bonded together to create a larger, more complex molecule.

This characteristic of polymers allows them to have diverse properties and functions, depending on the types of monomers used and the structure of the polymer chain. For instance, natural polymers include proteins and DNA, while synthetic polymers include plastics like polyethylene and polystyrene.

The other options do not apply here. A monomer refers to the single unit that can link together to form a polymer, but it does not describe the larger compound itself. A complex compound is a generic term and lacks the specificity required to describe large molecules formed from monomers. A simple molecule typically represents a smaller, individual structure and does not involve the linking of multiple units. Thus, the correct term for a large compound made from these linked units is indeed a polymer.