Question

How is entropy related to biochemistry?

(Short answer please)

Answer 1

Entropy is the biggest driver of protein folding because the protein will have larger entropy in the unfolded state than in the folded state. In the unfolded state conformation, the water molecules are arranged on the periphery of the side chains of the hydrophobic amino acid residues. This causes a decrease in the water entropy. But when protein folds water gets accommodated in the interior of the folded structure of the protein. So, the overall entropy of the universe ( system solvent + protein) increases and the folding process becomes possible. This is the so-called hydrophobic effect. Entropy as a Driving Force for Catalysis by Enzymes also.

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