Serendip is an independent site partnering with faculty at multiple colleges and universities around the world. Happy exploring!

Home › Bio 103, Week 7, Working Up From Atoms ... ›

Reply to comment

kcough's picture

I'm really enjoying this

Submitted by kcough on Sun, 10/28/2007 - 9:07am.

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.

 

Reply

To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.
2 + 5 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.

Remote Ready Biology Learning Activities

Scanning electron microscope image of SARS-CoV-2

Remote Ready Biology Learning Activities has 50 remote-ready activities, which work for either your classroom or remote teaching.

Narrative is determined not by a desire to narrate but by a desire to exchange. (Roland Barthes, S/Z)

What's New? Subscribe to Serendip Studio