[elcabin]

What is the difference between a permanent dipole and an induced dipole?

Describe at least one way in which hydrogen bonds play a vital role in stabilizing the structure of biologically important macromolecules.

[agrobert]

A permanent dipole exists which an electropositive atom is bonded to a electronegative atom.  The dispersion or electron pull causes a permanent dipole from + to -.  For example, acetone and DMSO have permanent dipoles.  Permanent dipoles are described within a single molecule.  Induced dipoles occur between two molecules intermolecularly and also intramolecularly.  Check this out

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induced-dipole_attraction#London_dispersion_forces

(Induced Dipoles)

Hydrogen bonding is a special application of these properties.  Why do you think H-bonding is important?

[Borek]

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