Asked by Nicky Huesca on Jun 19, 2024
Verified
Which of the following correctly describes the structural relationship between D-ribose and L-lyxose?
A) diastereomers and epimers
B) diastereomers but not epimers
C) enantiomers
D) constitutional isomers
E) not isomers
Structural Relationship
The way in which components of a molecular structure are connected or related, including bonds and spatial arrangements.
D-Ribose
A pentose (five-carbon sugar) that plays a vital role in the metabolism of nucleic acids in cells.
- Mastering the principles of epimers and enantiomers associated with sugars.
Verified Answer
CN
Chrissie NelmsJun 26, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
D-ribose and L-lyxose are both sugars with five carbons arranged in a specific way. They differ only in the orientation around the second carbon atom from the end. The hydroxyl (OH) group on this carbon is pointed up in ribose and down in lyxose. Therefore, they are diastereomers because they differ in their stereochemistry at one chiral center but are not mirror images of each other. Additionally, they are epimers because they differ in the configuration of only one stereogenic center.
Learning Objectives
- Mastering the principles of epimers and enantiomers associated with sugars.