3.1 Building the Hydrophobic Core

Building the Hydrophobic Core (Module 3: The Architect). Key concept: Core packing & van der Waals. Explain why the hydrophobic core is the primary thermodynamic driving force for folding.

• Explain why the hydrophobic core is the primary thermodynamic driving force for folding
• Explain why packing quality matters as much as burial: van der Waals contact, not just exclusion of water
• Match hydrophobic side chains by size and shape so they pack complementarily
• Identify cavities and packing defects as destabilising, and estimate what they cost