Chapter 21.4, Problem 28SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the use of only one chiral form of a substance by living organisms needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

A molecule is said to be chiral molecule when all the attached groups to central carbon atom are different and lacks in plane of symmetry in the molecule.

Explanation of Solution

There are cases where out of two orientations only one is biologically active. The reason for its biological activity is that molecules in body interacts with many other molecules said to be receptors, which interacts like lock and key. So, for a molecule to be fit into a particular receptor only the active orientation can help, whereas the non-active orientation cannot fit into a particular receptor.