Question

1. Describe the characteristics of Van der Waals Forces in terms of (a) strength, (b) directionality, (c) range, (d) dependence on temperature.

2. Discuss why Van der Waals forces are one of the predominant stabilising forces in biomolecules despite us weak bond strength.

Answer 1

Characteristics of Van der Waals Forces in terms of

a) Stength: These are weak attractive forces and has low stength.

b) Directionality : These are non directional in nature.

c) Range : These have short range in nature.

d) Dependence on temperature : These are dependent on temperature and decreases on increasing temperature.

2) Van der Waals forces are one of the predominant stabilising forces in biomolecules, in the coiled protein, there is interaction between side chain in alpha helix.so, even though these forces are weak but they become stronger.