Wrapping Electrostatic Bonds

Abstract

We begin by reviewing the history of research regarding the hydrophobic effect and its impact on protein structure and stability. A key concept is the identification of a minimal unit of hydrophobicity: a single nonpolar carbonaceous group CH$_n$, $n=0,1,2,3$, a common constituent of protein sidechains. We then review the concepts leading to characterization of nonpolar versus polar groups in molecules, the key idea being electronegativity of atoms.