Weak Chemical Interaction: The Heart of Molecular Genetics Flashcards
1
Q
Covalent bonds
A
- peptide
- glycosidic
- phosphodiester
- very strong
2
Q
weak bonds
A
- 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
3
Q
major types of weak chemical interactions
A
- Van der Waals forces
- Hydrogen bonds
- Ionic bonds
- Hydrophobic interactions
4
Q
Strength of interactions
A
- Covalent > Ionic > Hydrogen > Hydrophobic
- bond energies for weak bonds much lower than for non covalent bonds and can easily be made and broken.
5
Q
Combined versus Uncombined
A
- ratio between combined and uncombined molecules
6
Q
if ratio is high
A
- strong bond
- combined
7
Q
if ratio low
A
- weak bond
- uncombined
8
Q
Higher Delta G
A
- more reactants in combined form rather than uncombined form.
9
Q
small difference in bond energy
A
- BIG difference in ratio of combined and uncombined components.
10
Q
A good fit is necessary
A
- a large # of simultaneous interactions
- dependent on distance and angles of interaction (geometry)
11
Q
The Law of Mass Action Applies
A
- amount of combined vs uncombined dependent upon total concentration
12
Q
if low concentration
A
more likely to be uncombined
13
Q
if high concentration
A
will be more likely to interact with each other - combined
14
Q
hydrophobic interactions
A
- 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