Which type of bond is characterized by electrostatic attraction between charged parts of molecules?

The correct choice describes the hydrogen bond, which is indeed characterized by the electrostatic attraction between the charged parts of molecules. In a hydrogen bond, typically a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a more electronegative atom, such as oxygen or nitrogen, becomes weakly positive due to polarization. This positive charge can then attract the negative charge of another electronegative atom in a different molecule or a different part of the same molecule.

This form of bonding is crucial in many biological systems; for example, hydrogen bonds are responsible for the unique properties of water and the structure of proteins and nucleic acids. The transient nature of hydrogen bonds contributes to the dynamic behavior of biological molecules.

While covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms and ionic bonds result from the complete transfer of electrons leading to charged ions, hydrogen bonds represent a weaker interaction that significantly influences molecular behavior in biological systems. Metallic bonds involve the pooling of electrons among a lattice of metal atoms, which differs fundamentally from the charge-based interactions that characterize hydrogen bonds.