Covalent Bonds, Hydrogen Bonds

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Session Overview

This session will introduce the structure of biological molecules and the molecular forces involved in the formation of these molecules. Learning Objectives To be able to identify the forces that act in biological systems: covalent bonds, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, van der Waal's forces, and hydrophobicity. To understand the properties of covalent bonds as well as the concepts of biological catalysts and chirality. To be able to distinguish between a polar and non-polar molecule and understand the concept of electronegativity. To be able to explain how hydrogen bonds are formed and describe their importance in biological systems.

Session Activities

Lecture Video

Watch the lecture video excerpt

• Covalent Bonds, Hydrogen Bonds (00:22:23)

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  Covalent Bonds, Hydrogen Bonds

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Check Yourself

Session Activities

Help Session Video

Watch the short video of Nicole DeNisco explaining covalent bonds, chirality, electronegativity, and hydrogen bonding, that refers to the practice problem below.

• Covalent Bonds (00:05:51)

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  Covalent Bonds

  > Download from iTunes U (MP4)

  > Download from Internet Archive (MP4)

Practice Problems

• Problems (PDF)
• Solutions (PDF)

Further Study

Suggested topics for further study in an introductory-level Biology textbook

• Forces: covalent bonds, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, van der Waal's forces, and hydrophobicity
• Catalysts
• Chirality
• Polarity

Useful Links

• 20-Second Story about Hydrogen Bonding
• How Geckos Stick
• Hydrophobic Interactions
• Green Basilisk Lizard
• Ice Water and Hot Water movies

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