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Demonstration of Enantiomer Specificity of Proteins and Drugs

Gretchen L. Anderson

checked by Shallee T. Page

In addition to the traditional use of molecular models of tetrahedral asymmetric centers, the concept of chirality and its importance to protein–drug interactions is demonstrated in a guided classroom activity. A watchglass with three different colored Post-it Notes is set on a desktop or table surface to simulate a molecular binding site of a protein. As students build models of symmetric and asymmetric centers, the models are tested for binding to the watchglass "binding site". By relating the chiral or achiral models to various common or familiar drugs, students can easily understand the importance of chirality in protein–drug interactions. This approach can be easily adapted to the knowledge base of the student and can include concepts of prochirality, nomenclature, properties, and chemical separation schemes of enantiomers.

Keywords: Biochemistry; Chirality / Optical Isomers; Demonstrations; Drugs / Pharmaceuticals; Enzymes; General Chemistry; Introductory / High School Chemistry; Organic Chemistry

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JCE Forums JCE DigiDemos JCE DigiDemos Collection Demonstration of Enantiomer Specificity of Proteins and Drugs

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