Question

Which of the following of a protein molecule determines the strength of van der Waals force?

(a) The molecular weight of the protein

(b) PI of the protein

(c) Number of amino acids present

(d) The surface area of the molecule

This question was addressed to me during an interview for a job.

This interesting question is from Biopharmaceuticals topic in division Biopharmaceuticals of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

The correct answer is (d) The surface area of the molecule

For explanation: The surface area of a molecule determines the strength of the van der Waals interactions between molecules. The larger the surface area, the larger the attractive force between two molecules, and the stronger the intermolecular forces. They are weak interactions caused by momentary changes in electron density in a molecule.