Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 40m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 37m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 7m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood1h 22m
18. The Heart1h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance Coming soon
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity Coming soon

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Hydrogen Bonding

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Hydrogen Bonding

Problem 2.6aErin C. Amerman - 2nd Edition

Textbook Question

What are hydrogen bonds, and how do they form?

Verified step by step guidance

Hydrogen bonds are a type of weak chemical bond that occurs when a hydrogen atom, which is covalently bonded to a more electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen, experiences an attraction to another electronegative atom nearby.

To understand how they form, first recognize that in a water molecule (H₂O), the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms, creating a polar molecule with a partial negative charge on the oxygen and a partial positive charge on the hydrogens.

When water molecules are close to each other, the partially positive hydrogen atom of one water molecule is attracted to the partially negative oxygen atom of another water molecule, forming a hydrogen bond.

Hydrogen bonds are crucial in biological systems, as they contribute to the unique properties of water, the structure of DNA, and the folding of proteins.

These bonds are relatively weak compared to covalent bonds, but they are strong enough to influence the physical properties of compounds and play a significant role in the structure and function of biomolecules.

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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 a type of weak chemical bond that occurs when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom, such as oxygen or nitrogen, experiences an attraction to another electronegative atom. This interaction is crucial in determining the properties of water, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Electronegativity

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons. In the context of hydrogen bonds, highly electronegative atoms like oxygen and nitrogen create a partial negative charge, which allows them to attract the positively charged hydrogen atoms from other molecules, facilitating bond formation.

Molecular Polarity

Molecular polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge across a molecule. Molecules with polar bonds, where there is a significant difference in electronegativity between atoms, can form hydrogen bonds. This polarity is essential for understanding how hydrogen bonds influence the physical properties of substances, such as boiling and melting points.