Lecture 1 1/6/2015

Weak Forces

Types of Weak Bonds

 Hydrogen bonds – a weak chemical bond between an electronegative atom, such as fluorine,
oxygen, or nitrogen, and a hydrogen atom bound to another electronegative atom.
 Ionic (charge) interactions (in aqueous environment)
o Attraction of opposite charges
o Repulsion of similar charges
 Hydrophobic interactions – the association of nonpolar groups or compounds with each other in
aqueous systems, driven by the tendency of the surrounding water molecules to seek their most
stable (disordered) state
o Hydrophobic molecules are uncharged (unlike partial charges on water)
 Clump together to avoid charges of water
 Van Der Waals – weak intermolecular forces between molecules as a result of each inducing
polarization in the other
o Includes dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces
o When two uncharged atoms are brought very close together, variations in the position
of electrons in their surrounding electron clouds induces a transient dipole in each other

What are the important characteristics of weak bonds that are important for life?

 Additive
o Although individual bonds are weak, added together they make strong connection
o E.g. gecko’s feet allow gecko to walk up walls due to additive nature of weak Van Der
Waals interactions between feet and wall
 Reversibility (Dynamic)
 Some of them are spontaneous (don’t need enzymes)

Clicker Question: What is the most important reason that life requires weak chemical bonds?

A. Many weak bonds = One strong bond

B. Weak bonds = Dynamic and reversible
C. Strong bonds = Need enzymes to break
D. Weak bonds = Additive effect
E. Weak bonds = hydrophobic
 Explanation; the most important factor is the reversibility of weak bonds, even though the other
answer choices may also be correct.

Examples of Why Bonds Must Be Dynamic

 DNA; bases are connected via hydrogen bonds

o Because hydrogen bonds are reversible, DNA can be separated and replication can occur
 Soap and hydrophobic interactions
o Charged soap causes dirt/grease to undergo hydrophobic interactions, clump, and be
washed away
Lecture 1 1/6/2015
Weak Forces

 Enzyme substrate binding site

o Needs to be reversible to allow finished product to leave and continue process with
another substrate
 Friction and Van Dar Waals
o Allows for movement
 Capillary action in plants
o Allows water to be pulled up in plants
o Also occurs in human blood vessels
 Flexion and extension of muscles
o Needs to occur both ways
 Cell-cell signaling
o Needs to be able to start and stop (e.g. in neurons)
 Water tension
o Allows “Jesus bugs” to walk on water