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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best describes how chirality can affect the biological activity of a molecule?
A
Chirality does not influence the interaction of molecules with biological systems.
B
Chiral molecules are always less active than their achiral counterparts.
C
Chirality only affects the solubility of a molecule, not its biological activity.
D
Chiral molecules can have different effects on biological systems depending on their orientation.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of chirality: Chirality in organic chemistry refers to a property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image, much like left and right hands.
Recognize the importance of chirality in biological systems: Many biological molecules, such as amino acids and sugars, are chiral. The orientation of these molecules can significantly affect their interaction with biological systems.
Consider the interaction of chiral molecules with biological receptors: Biological receptors are often chiral themselves, meaning that they can distinguish between different enantiomers (mirror-image isomers) of a chiral molecule.
Evaluate the effects of different enantiomers: Different enantiomers of a chiral molecule can have vastly different biological activities. One enantiomer may be therapeutically beneficial, while the other could be inactive or even harmful.
Conclude with the correct statement: The statement 'Chiral molecules can have different effects on biological systems depending on their orientation' best describes how chirality can affect the biological activity of a molecule, as it highlights the importance of molecular orientation in biological interactions.