Most amino acids exist in two forms, L and D. When anorganic chemist synthesizes

Question

Most amino acids exist in two forms, L and D. When anorganic chemist synthesizes amino acids, a mixture of these twoforms is made; the result was probably the same when the firstamino acids formed by abiotic synthesis in the 'rimordial soup' ofthe early earth. However, with very few excpetions, only theL-form of animo acids occurs in proteins. This is one exampleof the molecular "handedness" in life. What are the possibleadvantages of life's becoming locked into the exclusive use of oneof these two amino acid versions? Speculate on the possibleevolutionarly significance of this "handedness".

While I understand the the advantage of becoming locked in intothe exclusive use of one of the two amino acid versions, I'm alittle confused on what the evloutionary significnace of the"handedness" would be.

Explanation / Answer

This one does take some thinking, but think about what is thecoolest part about this. Firstly we ALL use the same aminoacids, there are only twenty and they are all the same in allorganisms. This is like a superpowered tool kit that allowsorganisims like plants and animals absorb amino acids from theirenviornments and make them into new stuff. This means thatall organisms are "all on the same page" when it comes to beingable to use the amino acids. If you continue to think about evolution you might hit someother cool points about why amino acids being the same might bebenificial, but thats the reason I like.

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