Amino Acids & Protein Structure

The Chemical Bond

Intermolecular Forces

Organic Functional Groups

Coordination Chemistry

The performance of many protein functions including enzyme activity, transport, storage, and immunity depends on the ability of proteins to interact with diverse substances through specific binding. Tertiary and quaternary protein structure allows for the formation of complementary surfaces and clefts. Hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, London dispersion forces, salt bridges, and coordinate covalent bonds are all important means by which proteins bind other substances.