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Ch. 2 Basic Chemistry
Marieb - Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 13th Edition
Marieb13th EditionEssentials of Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780135624340Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb 13th EditionCh. 2 Basic ChemistryProblem 18
Chapter 2, Problem 18

What are hydrogen bonds, and how are they important in the body?

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Hydrogen bonds are weak interactions that occur between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom (such as oxygen or nitrogen) and another electronegative atom nearby. These bonds are not as strong as covalent or ionic bonds but are crucial for molecular interactions.
In the body, hydrogen bonds play a key role in stabilizing the structure of biomolecules, such as DNA and proteins. For example, in DNA, hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs (adenine-thymine and cytosine-guanine) help maintain the double helix structure.
Hydrogen bonds are also essential in protein folding. They help stabilize secondary structures like alpha helices and beta sheets, which are critical for the protein's function.
Hydrogen bonds contribute to the unique properties of water, such as its high heat capacity and surface tension. These properties are vital for maintaining homeostasis and facilitating biochemical reactions in the body.
In cellular processes, hydrogen bonds enable enzyme-substrate interactions and receptor-ligand binding, ensuring proper biochemical signaling and metabolic activity.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hydrogen Bonds

Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions that occur between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom. These bonds are crucial in determining the structure and properties of water, proteins, and nucleic acids, influencing how molecules interact and function within biological systems.
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Hydrogen Bonding

Role in Water Properties

Hydrogen bonds significantly contribute to the unique properties of water, such as its high surface tension, specific heat, and solvent capabilities. These properties are vital for maintaining homeostasis in living organisms, facilitating biochemical reactions, and supporting cellular structures.
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Properties of Water- Thermal

Biological Importance

In biological systems, hydrogen bonds play a critical role in stabilizing the three-dimensional structures of proteins and nucleic acids. They are essential for processes like DNA replication and protein folding, ensuring that biological molecules maintain their functional shapes and perform their roles effectively.
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Biological Membranes
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Define radioactivity. If an element has three isotopes, which of them (the lightest, the one with an intermediate mass, or the heaviest) is most likely to be a radioisotope, and why?

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Textbook Question

Distinguish inorganic from organic compounds, and list the major categories of each in the body.

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Textbook Question

Define pH. The pH range of blood is from 7.35 to 7.45. Circle the correct answer to complete the sentence: This is slightly (acidic / basic).

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Textbook Question

Describe how the two 'generic' atoms shown below would form an ionic bond. Include in your answer where electrons come from, where they go, and why.

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Textbook Question

Define molecule as it relates to molecular substances and compounds.

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Textbook Question

Identify each of the following reactions as a synthesis, decomposition, or exchange reaction:

2Hg + O₂ 2HgO

Fe²¹ + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu²¹

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O

HNO₃ → H⁺ + NO₃⁻