A chemist working in a pharmaceutical lab synthesized a new drug as a racemic mixture. Why is it important that she separate the two enantiomers and test each for its biological activity?

What will be an ideal response?


Ans: Biomolecules such as receptors for drugs are stereospecific, so each of the two enantiomers of the drug may have very different effects on an organism. One may be beneficial, the other toxic; or one enantiomer may be ineffective and its presence could reduce the efficacy of the other enantiomer.

Biology & Microbiology

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During swallowing, the epiglottis:

A. seals off the entrance to the trachea. B. seals off the entrance to the esophagus. C. opens to allow the passage of food into the trachea. D. opens to allow the passage of food into the esophagus. E. seals off the entrance to the pharynx.

Biology & Microbiology

Oceans represent the largest natural source of sulfur gases released to the atmosphere

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Biology & Microbiology

What is the form of reproduction used by E. coli, a type of bacteria found in your digestive tract?

A) budding B) vegetative reproduction C) binary fission D) meiosis

Biology & Microbiology

Each species occupies a certain ecological __________, characterized by its interactions with the physical and chemical features and the other species living in it.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Biology & Microbiology