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Article: Molecules wrestle for supremacy in creation of superstructures.
- Article from:
- NewsRx Health
- Article date:
- August 30, 2009
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LIVERPOOL, UK - 13 August 2009: Research at the University of Liverpool has found how mirror-image molecules gain control over each other and dictate the physical state of superstructures.
The research team studied 'chiral' or 'different-handed' molecules which are distinguishable by their inability to be superimposed onto their mirror image. Such molecules are common - proteins use just one mirror form of amino acids and DNA, one form of sugars. Chirality leads to profound differences in the way a molecule functions - for example, drugs such as thalidomide can have positive effects on a patient but can prove harmful in their mirror image form.
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