Why Some Molecules Have Evil Twins

Опубликовано 19 апреля 2017, 14:30

A tiny change in a molecule’s geometry completely changes its effects on the human body.
How We Made This Video (Ever & David Talk About Drugs): youtu.be/tefxgYP0BVM

March for Science website: marchforscience.com

Thanks also to our supporters on patreon.com/MinuteEarth
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If you want to learn more about this topic, start your googling with:
Enantiomers: Molecules that are mirror images of each other.
Chirality: A geometric property that makes a molecule non-superimposable on its mirror image.
Methamphetamine: A central nervous system stimulant.
Levmetamfetamine: The new name for the left-handed version of methamphetamine, which acts as a vasoconstrictor.
Carvone: A terpenoid found in many essential oils.

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Credits (and Twitter handles):
Script Writer: David Goldenberg (@dgoldenberg)
Video Illustrator: Ever Salazar (@eversalazar)
Video Narrator: Ever Salazar (@eversalazar)
With Contributions From: Henry Reich, Alex Reich, Kate Yoshida, Emily Elert, Peter Reich
Music by: Nathaniel Schroeder: soundcloud.com/drschroeder

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If you liked this week’s video, we think you might also like:
Breaking Bad: amc.com/shows/breaking-bad

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Image credits:

Mint - Darya Pino
flickr.com/photos/summertomato...

Black Licorice - US FDA (Public Domain)
flickr.com/photos/fdaphotos/62...

Facepalm statue - Alex E. Proimos
flickr.com/photos/proimos/4199...

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References:

Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL., et al. “The Making or Breaking of Covalent Bonds Involves Large Energy Changes”. Molecular Cell Biology. Section 2:1 (22). Retrieved from: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2159...

Wallach, J. “A Comprehensive Guide to the Clandestine Chemistry of 'Breaking Bad'”
Vice. (2013). Retrieved from: motherboard.vice.com/en_us/art...

Thanks to the following experts for their input and feedback:

Jason Wallach, Vice writer and chemist

Donna Nelson, University of Oklahoma chemistry professor and technical advisor to ‘Breaking Bad’

Adam Braunschweig, CUNY chemistry professor (braunschweiggroup.org/)

Justin Dragna, University of Texas chemistry professor