hydrogen bonds in biological systems

Hydrogen bonds are a type of weak attraction that occurs when a hydrogen atom, already attached to a highly electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen, interacts with another nearby electronegative atom. In biological systems, these bonds are crucial for the structure and function of molecules like water and DNA. They help hold the double helix of DNA together and give water its unique properties, such as cohesion and surface tension. Although individually weak, collectively they provide stability and specificity to biological molecules, enabling life's complex processes to occur efficiently.