Illustrate Hydrogen Bonding: Amino Acids

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the identification and correctness of hydrogen bonding interactions illustrated in various structures of amino acids within a protein context. Participants explore the validity of specific structures and the criteria for hydrogen bonding in amino acids.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that structure 4 is incorrect as it does not involve hydrogen bonding.
  • Another participant notes that structure 3 is invalid due to the non-existence of an amino acid with the specified -OH configuration.
  • Some participants express uncertainty regarding the correctness of structures 1 and 2, suggesting both may be valid.
  • A participant questions which atoms are capable of forming hydrogen bonds.
  • One participant argues that the electronegativity difference between sulfur and hydrogen is too low for hydrogen bonding, supporting the validity of structure 1 based on nitrogen and hydrogen's electronegativity difference.
  • A general guideline is proposed that only hydrogens bonded to fluorine, nitrogen, or oxygen can participate in hydrogen bonding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of structures 1 and 2, and there are competing views regarding the validity of structures 3 and 4.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the criteria for hydrogen bonding and the specific configurations of amino acids, which may affect their conclusions.

MightyMan11
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The following structures illustrate hydrogen bonding interactions between amino acid side chains and/or backbone atoms within a protein structure. In which of the following figures are the structures and hydrogen bonding completely correct?


Homework Equations


Picture2.png



The Attempt at a Solution


Firstly, I know that structure 4 is wrong (does not involve hydrogen).
A quick glance at my textbook shows that the amino acid with the configuration of -OH shown in structure 3 does not exist, eliminating 3.
However, I am stuck at 1 & 2 as they seem both correct.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Which atoms have hydrogen capable of forming hydrogen bonds?
 
Ah.
The electronegativity difference between sulphur and hydrogen seems to low to have a hydrogen bond.
That would leave structure 1 (also nitrogen and hydrogen have an electronegativity difference that is high enough to create a H-bond).

Thank you,
Ygggdrasil
 
A good rule of thumb is that only hydrogens bonded to fluorine, nitrogen, or hydrogen atoms are capable of participating in hydrogen bonds.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
20K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K