Essential Cell Biology, 4th Edition

Published by Garland Science
ISBN 10: 0815344546
ISBN 13: 978-0-81534-454-4

Chapter 2 - Chemical Components of Cells - Questions - Page 59: Question 2-7

Answer

The polarity of a polypeptide chain refers to the directional asymmetry, as in the nucleic acids or polypeptides used in the chain. In regards to the polarity of a chemical bond, polarity refers to the electrical bonds on a molecular level.

Work Step by Step

In a polypeptide chain one can discern polarity by looking at the different ends of the chain. The polarity refers to the different ends, for example, the nucleic acids which have a 3' and 5' end. The linear polymers like the polypeptides also influence the polarity of the polypeptide chain. Between the different 3' 5' ends and the nucleic acids, in addition to the polypeptides, a polypeptide chain will always have a very specific chemical polarity. With chemical bonds on the other hand, polarity refers to the electrical charge in a bond or molecule separating. For example, polarity in the sense of chemical bonds influences how hydrogen attaches to water molecules. Hydrophilicity, or the solubility of a molecule in water, is also determined by polarity. In this sense, polar could also refer to hydrophilicity.
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