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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2006  > July  >
In the Classroom
Concepts in Biochemistry
Molecular Handshake: Recognition through Weak Noncovalent Interactions
Parvathi S. Murthy
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgian Court University, Lakewood, NJ 08701-2697
Cover
July 2006
Vol. 83 No. 7
p. 1010
Abstract
The weak noncovalent interactions between substances, the handshake in the form of electrostatic interactions, van der Waals' interactions or hydrogen bonding is universal to all living and nonliving matter. They significantly influence the molecular and bulk properties and behavior of matter. Their transient nature affects chemical reactions and the effectiveness of chromatographic separations and is of central importance in biological processes. In some cases, the collective effect of a large number of these weak interactions determines properties, and, in others, it is the specificity of the interactions that is of significance. Molecular recognition through weak noncovalent interactions is contributing to research in chemical genomics, drug discovery, and materials design. The goal of the undergraduate chemistry curriculum is to teach students to understand the relationship between molecular structure and composition of matter and its properties. The current undergraduate chemistry curriculum incorporates the concepts of weak noncovalent interactions in a limited and sporadic way. Consequently, the students do not get the broader picture of the nature and influence of these interactions on the properties of chemical and biological systems. This article traces the development of our thinking about molecular recognition through noncovalent interactions, highlights their salient features, and suggests ways for comprehensive education on this important concept.
Supplement
Examples of the influence of weak noncovalent interactions on chemical and biological systems with references to literature are available.
*  Contents JCE2006p1010W.doc (Microsoft Word)
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*  Citation
 Murthy, Parvathi S. J. Chem. Educ. 2006 83 1010.
*  Keywords
 Analytical Chemistry; Applications of Chemistry; Biochemistry; Biosignaling; Chromatography; Curriculum; First-Year Undergraduate / General; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Membranes; Misconceptions / Discrepant Events; Molecular Properties / Structure; Molecular Recognition; Noncovalent Interactions; Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; Polymer Chemistry; Polymerization; Reactions; Second-Year Undergraduate; Textbooks / Reference Books; Upper-Division Undergraduate
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 5/26/2006
5/31/2006
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