Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Pharmaceutical companies are selling billions of dollars' worth of single-enantiomer drugs. Why might it be important to use only one form of an enantiomer?
A
It is cheaper to manufacture only one of the enantiomers.
B
It is not important. Both enantiomers will be equally effective.
C
The left-handed version of the enantiomer is always the effective one.
D
One enantiomer may provide an effective treatment whereas the other may be ineffective or even toxic.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of enantiomers: Enantiomers are molecules that are mirror images of each other, similar to left and right hands. They have the same molecular formula but differ in spatial arrangement.
Recognize the significance of enantiomers in pharmacology: Enantiomers can have drastically different effects in biological systems due to their interaction with chiral environments, such as enzymes and receptors in the body.
Consider the effectiveness and safety of enantiomers: One enantiomer may bind effectively to a target receptor and produce the desired therapeutic effect, while the other may not bind at all or may bind to a different receptor, potentially causing adverse effects.
Evaluate the importance of using a single enantiomer: Using only the effective enantiomer can enhance the drug's efficacy and reduce the risk of side effects, making it crucial for patient safety and treatment success.
Reflect on the economic and ethical implications: While manufacturing a single enantiomer may be more costly, the benefits of improved safety and efficacy justify the investment, ensuring better patient outcomes and adherence to ethical standards in drug development.