Biological stereochemistry

Biological stereochemistry studies the 3D arrangement of molecules in living organisms, like proteins and DNA. Many biological molecules are chiral, meaning they have mirror-image forms called enantiomers that are not interchangeable. These different structures can have distinct biological effects, for example, one drug enantiomer may be effective while its mirror image is inactive or harmful. Understanding stereochemistry helps explain how molecules interact specifically in biological systems, influencing processes like enzyme activity and drug design. In essence, it’s about how the 3D shape of molecules affects their function in life processes.