Question

Why is it important that WEAK forces, not strong forces, mediate biomolecular recognition? What would be the effect of an increase in kinetic energy on such interactions? Why does the central role of weak forces in biomolecular interactions restrict living systems to a narrow range of environmental conditions?

Answer 1

Solution:

Molecular recognition is the specific interaction between two or more molecules through noncovalent bonding (hydrogen bond, dipole-dipole, dispersion). These weak interactions exert strong influences over the properties of molecules in solution and the solid states. The strength of weak interactions decreases with increasing temperature, thus increase in kinetic energy decreases the strength of such interactions. The biomolecular forces are reversible in nature, due to its reversibility, it becomes central important for living system.