noncovalent interactions and biochemistry

Question 1

why are noncovalent interactions important?

Answer 1

although less energy is involved, there are a lot of them and theyre often changing in a reaction/ process, and affecting stability and structure.

Question 2

Hydrogen bonding

Answer 2

• among strongest and most specific of noncovalent interactions
• involves two electronegative atoms, either O or N
• will compete for the H atom that is covalently bonded to donor

Question 3

donor atom

Answer 3

weakly acidic, because acid is a DONOR

Question 4

acceptor atom

Answer 4

weakly basic, because base is an ACCEPTOR

Question 5

H- bond length depends on…

Answer 5

∆EN (difference in electronegativity)
deviations will either strengthen or weaken the hydrogen bond…

bent bond is going to weaken… two hydrogen atoms bonded so closely together that pKa’s are similar = strengthen bond (low barrier hydrogen bond)

Question 6

salt bridge

Answer 6

H-bond and electrostatic interaction

Question 7

Hydrogen hopping

Answer 7

random H+ migration in bulk H2O (cells sitting in water) or location exposed to it, uses temporary H-bonds and enables acid-base reactions to be fast…
why do we want these to be fast?