A Possible New Approach to the Study of the Hydrogen Bond in Protein Structure

Abstract

IN a recent review¹ Astbury has pointed out that the role of the hydrogen bond in protein structure, usually ascribed primarily to the keto-imino group, is largely unknown. Determination of the structure of such polar groups in the aqueous medium necessary for the normal functioning of the protein molecule is not easily achieved by means of the usual X-ray and infra-red methods. The mono-layer technique has, however, proved of value in certain cases², and recent measurements upon simple compounds containing the –CO.NH–link indicate that cross hydrogen bonding between such groups does occur in water provided that the molecular spacing is suitable.