 |
|
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
| • HOME • ABOUT • CATEGORIES • COPYRIGHT • NEWSLETTER   
|
chirality
Having different left-handed and right-handed forms; not mirror symmetric. In the case of molecules, the existence of distinct right- and left-handed forms, known as enantiomers, is due to the molecule containing an asymmetric carbon atom. Chirality is an important property of life-supporting carbon compounds. Only right-handed carbohydrates and left-handed amino acids are metabolically active in Earth's organisms. Enzymes, which regulate a variety of biological processes, have the ability to recognize the desired chirality of a substrate. This enhances the versitality of carbon, though chrality is not limited to carbon compounds and occurs in most macromolecules.
Related categories
• BIOCHEMISTRY• ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Also on this site:
Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History