Basics of Biology

Basic Chemistry For Biology

What is meant by the term “polar” molecule?

Polar molecules have opposite charges at either end. “Polar” refers to the positive and negative sides of the molecule. If a molecule is polar, it will be attracted to other polar molecules; for example, water is a polar molecule. This can affect a wide range of chemical interactions, including whether a substance will dissolve in water, the shape of a protein, and even the complex structure of DNA.