Biological Chemistry - Chiral Amino Acids (9.2) Flashcards
What is a chiral centre?
An atom (usually carbon) with a tetrahedral geometry which is attached to 4 different groups or chains
How do you identify chiral carbons on a diagram?
Using an asterisk (*)
What should you remember in some skeletal formulas of chiral structures?
The H atoms are not included in a skeletal formula, so make sure to include the H as one of the groups
Do all amino acids contain a chiral centre?
All Alpha-amino acids do - except glycine
Some amino acids have additional chiral centres on the side chain
What are enantiomers?
Isomers that are mirror images of each other (optical isomers) and are non-superimposable
How does chirality of a molecule effect its isomerism?
A molecule with one chiral centre can form 2 enantiomers
Why are the chirality of amino acids important?
Even if enantiomers have same chemical & physical properties, they can affect biological systems differently
Why do some enantiomers have different odours?
The receptor site (in the nose) is specific to the shape of a molecule so only one of the enantiomers has the correct shape - therefore leading to a response for only one of them
Why are enantiomers of amino acids important in pharmaceuticals?
- One enantiomer may have an affect but the other night not (level of effectiveness of enantiomers differ)
- One of the enantiomers may cause dangerous side effects
