Macromolecules in the cell can often interact transiently as a result of noncovalent interactions. These weak interactions also produce stable, highly specific interactions between molecules. Which of the factors below is the most significant in determining whether the interaction will be transient or stable?

a) the size of each molecule

b) the number of chemical bonds between the molecules

c) the concentration of each molecule

d) rate of synthesis

The correct answer is option b) "the number of chemical bonds between the molecules".

Explanation:

Chemical bonds are the forces that enable the formation of compounds. The number of chemical bonds is a determining factor to know if an interaction will be transient of stable. The more chemical bonds the more stable an interaction will be. Few chemical bonds between molecules makes an interaction unstable and easy to break, enabling transient interactions that are key to certain biological pathways.