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  • What Are Hydrogen Bonds Simple Definition

What Are Hydrogen Bonds Simple Definition

The hydrogen bond is a kind of weak interaction between molecules or specific atoms within a molecule. This effect originates from the electrostatic attraction of the hydrogen atom to another similar electronegative atom due to its nearly exposed proton characteristics after the hydrogen atom is covalently bonded with the electronegative atom (such as nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, etc.).

Its essence is the electrostatic attractive force. Although it is weaker than the covalent bond, it is crucial in many chemical and biological phenomena. For example, in the structure and properties of water, the existence of hydrogen bonds between water molecules gives water a higher boiling point, melting point and surface tension. In biological macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, hydrogen bonds also play a key role in maintaining the secondary and tertiary structures of proteins and the double helix structure of nucleic acids, ensuring the function and stability of biomolecules.

The force of hydrogen bonds is neither as strong as covalent bonds, nor is it completely weak. It builds a bridge between the structure of the micromolecular world and the properties of macroscopic substances, and affects many physical, chemical and biological behaviors of substances. It is a core item in the field of chemistry and biology.