Question

Why is hydrogen bonding important?

Answer 1

We know that hydrogen bonding refers to an interaction between a hydrogen atom and highly electronegative elements i.e., atoms having high affinity for electrons (F, O, N) which are not covalently bonded to that hydrogen atom. Hydrogen bond is weaker than ionic and covalent bond but much stronger than van der Waals forces.

Complete answer:
Hydrogen bonding is one of the important chemical processes which are responsible for unique properties and structure of many compounds. Some of the important chemical process which are due to hydrogen bonding have been discussed below:
Protein folding: It is partially determined by hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen bonds can be formed between the hydrogen atom of amine and an electronegative element like oxygen on another residue. As a protein folds into a place, a series of hydrogen bonds bound the molecules together forming a three-dimensional form which gives protein its particular function.
DNA: Hydrogen bonding is responsible for holding complementary strands of DNA together. The nucleotides pair up precisely on the position of available hydrogen atoms and electronegative atoms (i.e., oxygen atoms). The nucleotide thymine consists of one donor and one acceptor site which pair perfectly with the nucleotide adenine’s complementary acceptor and donor sites. Cytosine tends to pair perfectly with guanine via three hydrogen bonds.
Chelation: When one molecule forms hydrogen bonds through two or more sites with another molecule to form a ring structure which is known as chelate and the process is known as chelation. Chelating compounds are useful for mobilizing or removing molecules and atoms such as metals.
Thus, hydrogen bonding is very important to all life on earth as it plays integral roles in biological structures and function.

Note:
It is important to note that hydrogen bonding plays an important role in antibodies as well because antibodies are folded protein structures which precisely target and fit a specific antigen. The antibody attains its three-dimensional state by hydrogen bonding and will target the antigens through a series of interactions including hydrogen bonding.