Page 77 - The Miracle in the Atom

The Second Step On The Path To Matter: Molecules

Intermolecular Bonds:
Weak Bonds
The bonds combining the atoms in mo-
lecules are much stronger than these weak
intermolecular bonds. These bonds can help
the formation of millions, and even billions
of kinds of molecules.
The sequence of the amino acids
Well, how do molecules combine to
and the three-dimensional shape
form matter? determine the function of the pro-
Since molecules become stable after tein in the body. Weak bonds
their formation, they no longer swap atoms. between molecules form these
structures.
So, what holds them together?
In an effort to answer this question, chemists produced different theori-
es. Research showed that molecules are able to combine in different ways de-
pending on the properties of the atoms in their composition.
These bonds are very important for organic chemistry, which is the che-
mistry of living beings, because the most important molecules constituting
life are formed due to their ability to form these bonds. Let us take the
example of proteins. The complex three-dimensional shapes of proteins,
which are the building blocks of living things, are formed thanks to these
bonds. This means that the weak chemical bond between molecules is at le-
ast as necessary as the strong chemical bond between atoms for the formati-
on of life. Certainly, the strength of these bonds must be of a certain measu-
re.
We can continue with the protein example. Molecules called amino
acids combine to form proteins, which are much larger molecules. The atoms
forming amino acids are combined by covalent bonds. Weak bonds combine
these amino acids in such a way as to produce three-dimensional patterns.
Proteins can function in living organisms only if they have these three di-
mensional patterns. Therefore, if these bonds did not exist, neither would
the proteins, or, therefore, life exist.
The "hydrogen" bond, a type of weak bond, plays a major role in the
formation of materials that bear great importance in our lives. For instance,
the molecules forming water, which is the basis of life, are combined by
hydrogen bonds.

75