Tag: Chiral molecules

D-glucose, also known as dextrose, is the most abundant monosaccharide on Earth and the primary energy source for most living organisms. However, its non-superimposable mirror image, L-glucose, is a rare synthetic compound with profoundly different biological effects. So, what is the difference between D-glucose and L-glucose?

According to the American Chemical Society, German chemists first isolated L-glutamine from sugarbeets in 1883. The 'L' in L-glutamine stands for 'levorotatory,' referring to its specific three-dimensional chemical configuration, which is a key characteristic of the amino acids that make up proteins in the human body.