Why Some Molecules Have Evil Twins
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): https://youtu.be/tefxgYP0BVM March for Science website: https://www.marchforscience.com Thanks also to our supporters on https://www.patreon.com/MinuteEarth ___________________________________________ 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. ___________________________________________ 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: http://www.soundcloud.com/drschroeder _________________________________________ Like our videos? Subscribe to MinuteEarth on YouTube: http://goo.gl/EpIDGd Support us on Patreon: https://goo.gl/ZVgLQZ Also, say hello on: Facebook: http://goo.gl/FpAvo6 Twitter: http://goo.gl/Y1aWVC And find us on itunes: https://goo.gl/sfwS6n ___________________________________________ If you liked this week’s video, we think you might also like: Breaking Bad: http://www.amc.com/shows/breaking-bad ___________________________________________ Image credits: Mint - Darya Pino https://www.flickr.com/photos/summertomato/3570433046 Black Licorice - US FDA (Public Domain) https://www.flickr.com/photos/fdaphotos/6280412705 Facepalm statue - Alex E. Proimos https://www.flickr.com/photos/proimos/4199675334/ _________________________________________ 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: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21595/#_A261_ Wallach, J. “A Comprehensive Guide to the Clandestine Chemistry of Breaking Bad ” Vice. (2013). Retrieved from: https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-clandestine-chemistry-of-breaking-bad. 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 (http://www.braunschweiggroup.org/) Justin Dragna, University of Texas chemistry professor
