Pauling's hypothesis

Linus Pauling's hypothesis suggested that the structure of certain proteins, like enzymes, is stabilized primarily by hydrogen bonds—weak attractions between hydrogen atoms and more electronegative atoms such as oxygen or nitrogen. He proposed that these hydrogen bonds form specific patterns, enabling proteins to fold into precise three-dimensional shapes essential for their biological functions. This idea helped explain how proteins attain their unique structures, influencing fields like biochemistry and molecular biology. Essentially, Pauling believed that hydrogen bonding is a key factor in maintaining the stability and shape of vital biological molecules.