Weak Interactions in Aqueous Systems

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on weak interactions in aqueous systems, including the properties of water and its interactions with biomolecules.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak electrostatic attraction between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Electronegativity

The tendency of an atom to attract electrons in a covalent bond; oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen.

Hydrophilic

Describes molecules that dissolve easily in water, typically charged or polar compounds.

Hydrophobic

Describes nonpolar molecules that do not dissolve in water and often cluster together.

Entropy (S)

A measure of randomness or disorder in a system; during melting and evaporation, entropy increases.

Amphipathic Compounds

Molecules that contain both polar and nonpolar regions, facilitating interactions with both water and lipids.

Cohesion

The attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding, contributing to water's unusual properties.

Solute-Solvent Interaction

The interaction between a solute and solvent, which can be enhanced when water molecules replace solute-solute interactions.

Dielectric Constant (E)

A measure of a substance's ability to insulate charges from one another; water has a high dielectric constant.

Bond Dissociation Energy

The energy required to break a bond; in liquid water, hydrogen bonds are weakened by thermal energy.