Isomerism

Definition

Isomerism is the phenomenon where compounds have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements. These variations can significantly alter their chemical properties and biological functions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Isomers are classified into structural (or constitutional) isomers and stereoisomers.
2. Structural isomers differ in the connectivity of their atoms, while stereoisomers have the same connectivity but differ in spatial arrangement.
3. Enantiomers are a type of stereoisomer that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other and often exhibit different biological activities.
4. Diastereomers are stereoisomers that are not mirror images and usually have different physical and chemical properties.
5. In microbial biochemistry, isomerism plays a crucial role in enzyme specificity and metabolic pathways.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes structural isomers from stereoisomers?
• How do enantiomers differ from diastereomers?
• Why is isomerism important in the context of microbial biochemistry?

Related terms

Enzyme Specificity: The ability of an enzyme to choose exact substrates from a group of similar chemical molecules.

Metabolic Pathways:

A series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell that lead to the conversion of one or more substances into another.

Chirality:

A property of a molecule having non-superimposable mirror images, often leading to different biological activities for each form.