How Biomolecules Hold Their Shape

Biomolecules hold their shape through noncovalent attractions. These interactions occur within and between molecules and help control the structure and stability of complexes. They are different from covalent bonds because they do not involve sharing electrons.

Four main noncovalent interactions ...

Covalent bonds form when pairs of electrons are shared between interacting atoms. These strong bonds require a large amount of energy to break.

While covalent bonds are intramolecular forces that connect atoms into molecules, intermolecular and noncovalent attractions stabilize groups of atoms between molecules or within different parts o...