What are the role of weak bonds on 3d structures of biomolecules

Yogita Basnal Best Answer

Weak bonds play a major role in 3d structures of biomolecules. Covalent bond is considered as the strongest bond whereas other interactions like ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions/bonds, hydrogen bonds and van der Waals are considered as weak bonds. For example in proteins, hydrogen bond is responsible for making secondary structures like alpha helix and beta sheet which are 3d structures. Further, in quaternary structure of proteins interactions like ionic bonds, hydrophobic bonds and van der Waals interactions play a major role. Quaternary structures are more complex as compared to secondary structures. So it is clear that in order to form 3d structure, a biomolecule essentially requires formation of such weak bonds. The diagrams of secondary and tertiary structures are attached. It is clear from the diagram that during formation of secondary structure with the help of hydrogen bond, a primary linear chain of amino acids has been converted into alpha helix which is a representative of a 3 d structure. In tertiary structure, we can see that the pre existing secondary structure has become even more coiled and complex with the help of ionic, hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds which has led to the formation of tertiary structure.