Circuit element having a first layer composed of an electrically
insulating substrate material, a first electrically conductive material
which is in the form of at least one discrete area, such that it is
embedded in or applied to the substrate material, a second layer having a
second electrically conductive material, and a monomolecular layer, which
is composed of electrically active molecules which transports charge
carriers, arranged between the first layer and the second layer. The
monomolecular layer is immobilized and makes electrical contact with the
second layer. Each of the electrically active molecules has a first unit,
which is used as an electron donor, a second unit, which is used as an
electron acceptor, wherein the electron donor and the electron acceptor
form a diode, and at least one redox-active unit, by means of which a
variable resistance is formed, arranged between the first unit and the
second unit.