Related Experiment Videos
Mirror symmetry breaking at the molecular level
1N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
Summary
Chiral molecules in biology break mirror symmetry, defying basic physics principles like P invariance and thermodynamics. This study explores existing hypotheses to explain this bioorganic phenomenon.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Physics
- Thermodynamics
- Bioorganic Chemistry
Background:
- Basic principles of molecular physics (P invariance, second law of thermodynamics) predict retained mirror symmetry in chiral molecules.
- This prediction holds true for inorganic nature.
- However, the bioorganic world exhibits a distinct lack of mirror symmetry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenomenon of broken mirror symmetry in chiral molecules within the bioorganic world.
- To explore whether conventional concepts of enantioselective process kinetics can explain this asymmetry.
- To survey existing hypotheses addressing this fundamental biological observation.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of existing scientific literature and hypotheses.
- Theoretical examination of principles governing chiral molecule interactions.
- Comparative analysis of symmetry in inorganic versus bioorganic systems.
Main Results:
- Established physical principles suggest mirror symmetry should be prevalent.
- Observed reality in bioorganic systems demonstrates a clear violation of mirror symmetry.
- The study compiles and reviews hypotheses attempting to reconcile this discrepancy.
Conclusions:
- The broken mirror symmetry in chiral bioorganic molecules presents a significant challenge to established physical laws.
- Further research into enantioselective processes is crucial for understanding this biological asymmetry.
- Existing hypotheses offer potential, yet incomplete, explanations for the observed phenomenon.