Fischer projections

Fischer projections are a way chemists visualize the 3D structure of molecules, especially sugars and amino acids, on a flat surface. Imagine a cross where the vertical lines represent bonds going behind the plane of the paper, and the horizontal lines represent bonds coming out toward you. The group attached at the top is on the left or right side, helping to distinguish different types of molecules. This two-dimensional diagram simplifies understanding the spatial arrangement of atoms, making it easier to analyze and compare structures critical in chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmaceuticals.