Surprise: Protons bypass hydrogen bonds but still change molecules
Sunday, March 18, 2012 - 15:31
in Physics & Chemistry
Common wisdom has it that protons only travel between molecules via hydrogen bonds: no hydrogen bonds, no proton transfer. Scientists investigating molecular components of RNA were surprised to find that protons can find ways to transfer even when hydrogen bonds are blocked. The discovery may open new opportunities for research in biology, environmental science, and green chemistry.