Despite having identical absolute configuration of all the chiral centers, DNA exists in two main conformations: right- and left-handed DNA. A and B DNA’s are right handed, while the Z-DNA is the left-handed conformation of the deoxyribonucleic acid. You can identify the … Read more
Bombardier beetle uses one of the most famous examples of chemical defense in nature. When threatened, it mixes hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide with enzymes to induce a highly exothermicreaction by oxidizing the hydroquinone to quinone. This reaction heats up the mixture to the … Read more
Thalidomide was once prescribed in Europe as a sedative and anti-nausea agent for pregnant women. The molecule contains one stereogenic center thus, it exists as a pair of enantiomers. Despite the beneficial sedative properties of the (R)-enantiomer, the (S)-enantiomer, unfortunately, had a … Read more
Fluorocarbons show extremely small dispersion forces as a result of low polarizability of fluorine. Because of these weak intermolecular forces, Teflon has a widespread application in kitchen appliances for making products with non-sticky surface.
Allicin is the compound responsible for the characteristic odor of the garlic. It serves as a protective means against the insects attacking the plant and brings a the numerous benefits of garlic. The garlic from china is treated with methyl … Read more
Did you know that fish may contain mercury and it is advised for pregnant women and children not to consume raw fish? Roadside berries, on the other hand contain heavy metals such as palladium, lead, and titanium that are believed … Read more
Salicin is found in willow trees and has been used ever since the 18th century for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is composed of glucose and salicyl alcohol linked by an ether bridge which breaks and the alcohol is eventually … Read more
Food labels are often marked with the highly-desired “No Trans Fat” mark. So, what are trans fats and how they affect our health? First, we need to know that all the fats and oils in food are glyceryl esters of … Read more
Carotenes are the class of compounds responsible for the orange color of carrots for which they received their name. They are also behind the color of autumn leaves and many fruits and vegetables such as apricots, melons, pumpkins and many … Read more
New technologies keep the manufacturers on the track of making TV’s with higher resolution and richer color tones, yet the best image is seen when you hike in the mountains and look around from the summit on a beautiful sunny … Read more
