The difference(s) between covalent and hydrogen bonds
- Describe the difference(s) between covalent and hydrogen bonds?
I. Up-Close: Molecules of Life: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, Nucleic Acids
- Use the following definitions and phrases to describe to which molecules of life and their subunits it belongs:
a. Energy-storing molecule, typically water soluble –
b. Subunits are called monosaccharides –
c. Used to speed chemical reactions –
d. Subunits are joined to each other with peptide bonds –
e. Most prevalent molecule in cell membranes –
f. Some of them function as hormones –
g. Used for storing, transmitting, and executing genetic information –
h. Subunits are nucleotides
- All of these are examples of lipids except__________
a. Nucleic acids
b. Fatty acids
c. Triglycerides
d. Steroids
e. Phospholipids
Sample Answer
1. Covalent vs. Hydrogen Bonds:
- Covalent Bonds:
- These are strong chemical bonds formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.
- They create stable molecules, as the shared electrons fill the outer electron shells of the atoms involved.
- Covalent bonds are responsible for holding atoms together within a single molecule (e.g., the bonds within a water molecule, H₂O).
- Hydrogen Bonds:
- These are weak intermolecular forces that occur when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen) is attracted to another electronegative atom.
- These are weak intermolecular forces that occur when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen) is attracted to another electronegative atom.