A Radical Notion

Each amino acid has a different side chain, or Radical (R) that can be charged (plus, minus or neutral). It is the SIDE CHAIN of the amino acid that is charged and responsive to water. The side chain is EITHER water-repelling (hydrophobic), polar (charged - chage is dislocated, hydrophilic) or neutral. The differently charged and shaped radicals or side chains react to water in different ways and pull the line of amino acids into one shape or another.

A hydrogen atom will interact with a negatively charged atom like oxygen; also H bond with nitrogen




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