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smnms t1_j50vf70 wrote

Quantum mechanics explains the orbitals of an atom's electrons, and also the molecular orbitals of covalent bonds between atoms. Orbitals are also important for the van-der-Waals forces, hydrogen bonds, and interactions with the molecular orbitals of surrounding water molecules, which direct protein shape.

In the end, all chemistry is applied quantum mechanics, and protein folding is chemistry.

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prionprion OP t1_j52ndhe wrote

I was trying to look for more than just the bonds and forces but thank you for this!

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MARINE-BOY t1_j59f44y wrote

Protein folding is not inherently quantum mechanical. Protein folding refers to the process by which a protein molecule assumes its three-dimensional structure, which is determined by the sequence of amino acids in the protein. This process is primarily determined by the laws of thermodynamics and the interactions between the various chemical groups within the protein. However, recent research has suggested that quantum mechanical effects such as quantum tunneling may play a role in certain aspects of protein dynamics, such as the formation of hydrogen bonds between the protein and its environment. However, this is still an active area of research and the exact role of quantum mechanics in protein folding is not fully understood.

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doaardvarksswim t1_j5124ad wrote

Van-der-walls forces could not be more different from hydrogen bonding.

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xykerii t1_j51so7t wrote

I mean, they are not the same thing but still fall under the category of intermolecular forces. And the commenter is correct that Van Der Waals forces are caused by the fluctuating polarizations of particles at a particular distance, which is understood via quantum dynamics.

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