Chirality in Biology

Chirality in biology refers to the property of molecules that exist in two mirror-image forms, much like left and right hands. These forms, called enantiomers, can have very different biological effects. For example, one enantiomer of a drug might be effective in treating a condition, while its mirror image could be harmful or inactive. This sensitivity to molecular orientation is crucial in biological processes, including enzyme function and receptor binding. Understanding chirality is vital in fields like pharmaceuticals, as designing drugs requires precise attention to the correct molecule form to ensure efficacy and safety.