Chirality and Toxicology

Chirality refers to molecules that have mirror-image forms, called enantiomers, which can behave differently in biological systems. In toxicology, this means one enantiomer of a compound might be safe or beneficial, while the other could be harmful or cause adverse effects. Recognizing chirality helps scientists understand how substances interact with the body, predict their safety, and develop effective medicines or ensure chemicals are handled responsibly. Essentially, chirality influences how substances behave and impact health, making it a crucial factor in evaluating toxicity and safety.