Hydrogen Bonds: Simple after All?

Do all backbone polar groups in proteins form hydrogen bonds?

Evidence from proteins and peptides supports the conclusion that intrapeptide hydrogen bonds stabilize the folded form of proteins. Paradoxically, evidence from small molecules supports the opposite conclusion, that intrapeptide hydrogen bonds are less favorable than peptide-water hydrogen bonds. A related issue-often lost in this debate about comparing peptide-peptide to peptide- water hydroge...

Hydrogen Bonds

Not so simple after all

Biologists have long thought that the internal workings of prokary­ otes—the smallest and simplest organisms, including bacteria—are well understood, and have accordingly consid­ ered eukaryotic organisms and their cells to be more fascinating objects for study. During the past decade, however, the focus of some research has begun to turn back to prokaryotes—particularly because genomic analyse...

Not so simple after all

Biologists have long thought that the internal workings of prokary­ otes—the smallest and simplest organisms, including bacteria—are well understood, and have accordingly consid­ ered eukaryotic organisms and their cells to be more fascinating objects for study. During the past decade, however, the focus of some research has begun to turn back to prokaryotes—particularly because genomic analyse...

Simple snoring: not quite so simple after all?

Simple snoring (SS), in the absence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), is a common problem, yet our understanding of its causes and consequences is incomplete. Our understanding is blurred by the lack of consistency in the definition of snoring, methods of assessment, and degree of concomitant complaints. Further, it remains contentious whether SS is independently associated with daytime sleepi...