Hydrogen bond

Definition

A hydrogen bond is a weak interaction between a hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom. It plays a crucial role in the structure and properties of water and biological molecules.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hydrogen bonds are essential for the unique properties of water, such as its high specific heat and surface tension.
2. In DNA, hydrogen bonds hold the two strands together by connecting complementary base pairs.
3. Hydrogen bonds are weaker than covalent and ionic bonds but stronger than van der Waals forces.
4. They play a key role in determining the three-dimensional structures of proteins and nucleic acids.
5. Hydrogen bonding is critical for many biological processes, including enzyme-substrate interactions.

Review Questions

• What role do hydrogen bonds play in the structure of DNA?
• How do hydrogen bonds contribute to the properties of water?
• Why are hydrogen bonds important in protein folding?

Related terms

Covalent Bond: A strong bond formed when two atoms share electrons.

Ionic Bond: A chemical bond formed between two ions with opposite charges.

Van der Waals Forces: Weak attractions between molecules due to temporary changes in electron density.