Weak Chemical Interaction: The Heart of Molecular Genetics

Question 1

Covalent bonds

Answer 1

• peptide
• glycosidic
• phosphodiester
• very strong

Question 2

weak bonds

Answer 2

• non-covalent bonds
• easily broken and reformed to allow a specific interaction between and within biological macromolecules (DNA, RNA, and proteins) to be formed and readily changed

Question 3

major types of weak chemical interactions

Answer 3

1. Van der Waals forces
2. Hydrogen bonds
3. Ionic bonds
4. Hydrophobic interactions

Question 4

Strength of interactions

Answer 4

• Covalent > Ionic > Hydrogen > Hydrophobic

- bond energies for weak bonds much lower than for non covalent bonds and can easily be made and broken.

Question 5

Combined versus Uncombined

Answer 5

• ratio between combined and uncombined molecules

Question 6

if ratio is high

Answer 6

• strong bond

- combined

Question 7

if ratio low

Answer 7

• weak bond

- uncombined

Question 8

Higher Delta G

Answer 8

• more reactants in combined form rather than uncombined form.

Question 9

small difference in bond energy

Answer 9

• BIG difference in ratio of combined and uncombined components.

Question 10

A good fit is necessary

Answer 10

• a large # of simultaneous interactions

- dependent on distance and angles of interaction (geometry)

Question 11

The Law of Mass Action Applies

Answer 11

• amount of combined vs uncombined dependent upon total concentration

Question 12

if low concentration

Answer 12

more likely to be uncombined

Question 13

if high concentration

Answer 13

will be more likely to interact with each other - combined

Question 14

hydrophobic interactions

Answer 14

• Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonds, and ionic bonds are responsible for RECOGNITION AND SPECIFICITY.
• But the DRIVING FORCE (the most important consideration in the overall STRENGTH of interaction between two macromolecules) is the HYDROPHOBIC INTERACTION