General ---------Biology----------------------------------------------------- ------------------Online-------------------------------- Ch. 4 Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life

3.1 Isomers.  Isomers are organic molecules that have the same molecular formula but differentstructural arrangements of the atoms.  You can rearrange the atoms of butane and create an isomer of butane (C₄H₁₀), isobutane.

Isobutane
 (Draw isobutane.)

The structural arrangements of isomers includes "mirror image" isomers or enantiomers, and enantiomers have important pharmacological implications.

L-Dopa (Fig. 4.7, page 56)  is a drug used to treat Parkinson's, and Dopa exists in two forms:  L-Dopa and D-Dopa.  They are mirror image isomers, enantiomers, of each other, and D-Dopa is biologically inactive.

Assignment: Using information learned in Ch. 2, speculate on why D-Dopa is biologically inactive (one paragraph of three sentences).  Bring paragraph to class; turn in one copy in the box, and keep a copy to read in class.

Summary:  Students should write summary statements below as bullet points.