Protein secondary structure 1970-01-01
Protein secondary structure refers to the local folding and spatial arrangement of the polypeptide chain into specific structural motifs. It is one of the levels of protein structure, following the primary structure (the sequence of amino acids) and preceding the tertiary structure (the overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide).
Pseudorotation 1970-01-01
Pseudorotation is a term used in chemistry and molecular physics to describe a specific type of conformational change in certain cyclic compounds, particularly in the context of five-membered rings or certain larger rings. It involves the movement of atoms within the molecule that allows the structure to rotate around a particular axis, leading to a change in the arrangement of atoms or groups attached to the ring without breaking any bonds.
Pyramidal inversion 1970-01-01
Pyramidal inversion is a phenomenon that occurs in certain molecules where the configuration of a chiral center can interconvert between two different arrangements. Specifically, this term is often used in the context of molecules that adopt a pyramidal geometry at a nitrogen or phosphorus atom. In a pyramidal structure, the central atom is bonded to three other atoms or groups in a manner that gives it a trigonal pyramidal shape, resembling a pyramid.
Racemization 1970-01-01
Racemization is a chemical process in which a chiral compound is converted into a racemic mixture, consisting of equal amounts of its enantiomers. Enantiomers are pairs of molecules that are mirror images of each other and cannot be superimposed. Because chiral compounds have specific spatial arrangements, they often exhibit different properties, including biological activity.
Regioselectivity 1970-01-01
Regioselectivity refers to the preference of a chemical reaction to occur at one specific location over another in a molecule that contains multiple reactive sites. This selectivity is particularly significant in organic chemistry, where a molecule may have several functional groups or double bonds that can potentially react. For example, in the case of electrophilic addition reactions or substitutions, a reagent might attack different positions on a substrate. Regioselectivity indicates which position the reagent preferentially reacts with, leading to a major product.
Serine octamer cluster 1970-01-01
The term "serine octamer cluster" generally refers to a specific arrangement or grouping of serine amino acids, often in the context of protein structure or function. In biochemistry and molecular biology, serine is one of the 20 standard amino acids, characterized by its polar side chain, which contains a hydroxyl group (-OH). This property makes serine important in various biological processes, including enzyme catalysis and post-translational modifications (such as phosphorylation).
Stereocenter 1970-01-01
A stereocenter (or stereogenic center) is an atom in a molecule that is bonded to four different groups or atoms in such a way that the spatial arrangement of these groups creates stereoisomerism. This means that the arrangement of the groups around the stereocenter can lead to at least two distinct three-dimensional configurations, known as enantiomers, which are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.
Stereoelectronic effect 1970-01-01
The stereoelectronic effect refers to the influence of molecular geometry on electronic interactions and reactivity, particularly in the context of chemical bonding and reaction mechanisms. It describes how the spatial arrangement of atoms and the orientation of orbitals can affect the electronic properties of a molecule and, consequently, its reactivity. In essence, the stereoelectronic effect highlights the relationship between the arrangement of bonds in three-dimensional space and the electron distribution in molecular orbitals.
Sterimol parameter 1970-01-01
The Sterimol parameters are a set of quantitative descriptors used to characterize the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule, particularly in relation to the conformation and steric interactions of drug molecules. These parameters help in understanding how the three-dimensional shape of a molecule influences its biological activity and interactions with target proteins, enzymes, or receptors. The Sterimol parameters specifically include: 1. **L (Length)**: This measures the longest dimension of the substituent.
Supramolecular chirality 1970-01-01
Supramolecular chirality refers to the phenomenon of chirality that arises in supramolecular assemblies, which are larger-scale structures formed through non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, ionic interactions, and coordination bonds. Unlike molecular chirality, which is primarily a property of individual chiral molecules that lack an internal mirror symmetry, supramolecular chirality involves the collective behavior of multiple molecules arranged in a certain way.
Syn and anti addition 1970-01-01
Syn and anti addition refer to the specific orientations of the addition of reactants across a double bond in organic molecules. These terms are especially important in the context of stereochemistry, the study of the three-dimensional arrangements of atoms within molecules. 1. **Syn Addition**: - In syn addition, the two substituents are added to the same side (or face) of the double bond.
Thorpe–Ingold effect 1970-01-01
The Thorpe–Ingold effect refers to the stabilization of reaction intermediates or transition states in organic chemistry due to steric hindrance. Specifically, this effect is observed when bulky groups are positioned near a reactive center in a molecule, influencing the kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions.
Topoisomer 1970-01-01
Topoisomers are different forms of the same molecule that have the same chemical formula but differ in the arrangement of their atoms in three-dimensional space. This term is commonly used in the context of the structural variations of DNA and in relation to the topology of chemical compounds. In the case of DNA, topoisomers can arise from variations in the winding of the double helix, such as supercoiling.
Torquoselectivity 1970-01-01
Torquoselectivity refers to the preference of a chemical reaction to generate a specific stereochemical outcome based on the torque or twisting forces that drive the interaction of reactants. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of asymmetric synthesis and organocatalysis, where the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule plays a critical role in determining the product formed.
Van der Waals strain 1970-01-01
Van der Waals strain refers to the additional energy or distortion that occurs in a material due to the presence of Van der Waals forces when molecules are forced closer together or further apart than their preferred equilibrium distance. These forces are weak, intermolecular interactions that arise from temporary dipoles between molecules, and they play a significant role in the physical properties and stability of materials, particularly in non-covalently bonded systems like polymers, biological molecules, and layered materials.
Stochastic differential equations 1970-01-01
Stochastic Differential Equations (SDEs) are equations that involve stochastic processes, which means they incorporate randomness or noise into their formulation. SDEs are used to model systems that are influenced by random effects, making them particularly useful in fields such as finance, physics, biology, and engineering. ### Key Components of SDEs: 1. **Differential Equation**: Like ordinary differential equations (ODEs), SDEs describe how a variable evolves over time.
Paley–Wiener integral 1970-01-01
The Paley-Wiener integral is a mathematical concept used primarily in the field of signal processing and Fourier analysis. It is associated with the analysis of functions that are band-limited, meaning that they contain no frequencies higher than a certain maximum frequency. The Paley-Wiener integral is particularly important in the study of the properties of these functions in relation to the Fourier transform.
Astronomica (Manilius) 1970-01-01
"Astronomica" is a Roman didactic poem written by the astrologer and poet Marcus Manilius in the 1st century AD, specifically during the reign of Augustus. The work is one of the few surviving texts on astrology from antiquity and consists of five books. It combines elements of astrology, astronomy, and philosophy, presenting a comprehensive view of the celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs.
Meditations 1970-01-01
"Meditations" is a series of personal writings by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, which is considered one of the greatest works of Stoic philosophy. Written during the 2nd century AD, these writings were not intended for publication but were rather a form of self-reflection and guidance for Aurelius himself.
Mental illness in ancient Rome 1970-01-01
In ancient Rome, mental illness was understood very differently compared to contemporary perspectives. The Romans did not have a specific medical or psychological framework akin to modern psychiatry. Instead, they often interpreted mental disorders through a lens of superstition, moral failing, or divine influence. ### Key Perspectives on Mental Illness in Ancient Rome: 1. **Supernatural Explanations**: Many Romans attributed mental illness to supernatural forces.