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kcough's picture

I'm really enjoying this

Submitted by kcough on Sun, 10/28/2007 - 10:07am.

I'm really enjoying this discussion about atoms-it's fascinating, since they are what makes all of us up. I'm a little confused about the left and right-handed molecules, however. First of all, why are they called that? What is it that makes them left or right handed? And how/why do living organisms discriminate between them if they only differ in their shape? Why is shape so instrumental in showing the differences between organisms? And does this only happen with hydro-carbons? Why only hydro-carbons?

That's lots of questions and not so many answers, I know.

I thought that polar molecules were fascinating as well-so that's why humans are what, 70% water is it? Makes a bit more sense now.

 

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