The gecko is a reptile with an amazing ability to climb smooth surfaces, including glass. Geckos appear to stick to smooth surfaces via van der Waals interactions between septa on their feet and the smooth surface. How is this method of stickiness advantageous over covalent interactions? Given that van der Waals forces are among the weakest molecular interactions, how can the gecko’s feet stick so effectively?

The gecko is a reptile with an amazing ability to climb smooth surfaces, including glass. Geckos appear to stick to smooth surfaces via van der Waals interactions between septa on their feet and the smooth surface. How is this method of stickiness advantageous over covalent interactions? Given that van der Waals forces are among the weakest molecular interactions, how can the gecko’s feet stick so effectively?

Human Biology (MindTap Course List)

11th Edition

ISBN:9781305112100

Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan

Publisher:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan

Chapter2: Chemistry Of Life

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 10SQ: What kinds of bonds often control the shape (or tertiary form) of large molecules such as proteins?...

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