Hydrogen bonding in biological systems

In each pair of molecules, look for (i) an electronegative atom in each molecule, and (ii) an H atom attached directly to an electronegative atom in one of the molecules. 

Suggest how the solid state structure of benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid is affected by hydrogen bonding. 

Suggest why CH3CO2H exists mainly as dimers in hexane, but as monomers in water. Hint Compare the abilities of hexane and H2O to participate in hydrogen bonding.) 

Ahern (2000) Biochemistry, 3rd edn, Benjamin/Cummings, New York, Chapter 4. 

Suggest why CH3CO2H exists mainly as dimers in hexane, but as monomers in water. 

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FIGURE 2-3 Common hydrogen bonds in biological systems. The... 

Discuss the importance of hydrogen bonding in biological systems. Use proteins and nucleic acids as examples. 

Jeffrey GA, Saenger W (1991) Hydrogen bonding in biological systems. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg NewYork... 

Engel, J. "Hydrogen Bonds in Biological Systems, in Physics of Ice, Plenum Press. New York, 1969, p. 138. 

In Section 12.5, we ll discuss the effects that H bonds in water have in nature. In fact, the significance of hydrogen bonding in biological systems cannot be emphasized too strongly. It is a key feature in the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids and is responsible for the action of many enzymes, the proteins that speed metabolic reactions, as well as for the functioning of genes. 

G. Jeffrey and W. Saenger, Hydrogen Bonding in Biological Systems , Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1991. 

Hydrogen bonding is a particular type of chemical bonding that has drawn the attention of experimental and theoretical chemists. The bond strength of typical hydrogen bonds in biological systems is only 3 kcal mol". Because of this weakness, hydrogen bonds can be formed and broken easily. 

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