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Organiese chemie in biologiese verband

educational resource
posted on 2024-11-18, 14:56 authored by Inaugural addresses
Inaugural lecture--Department of Chemistry, Rand Afrikaans University, 19 April 1971@@Many biological manifestations are the consequences of chemical reactions and are, therefore, subject to the laws of chemistry. Through his intimate knowledge of reactions and reaction mechanisms the organic chemist can make a special contribution to the elucidation of many biochemical problems. By considerations of structure and mechanism, it is possible to relate simpler to more complex natural products. This approach, coupled with the use of radioisotopes, is shown to reduce the field of natural products from structural chaos to ordered array. The development of a new approach in the study of biochemical mechanisms, which involves the synthesis of model molecules or molecular systems with chemical characteristics similar to those of complex biological systems, is discussed. Attention is given to the design and synthesis of chemotherapeutic drugs. Some of the more important problems encountered in the search for more selective drugs are mentioned. It is shown how an increased understanding of biochemical pathways allows the design of chemotherapeutically useful enzyme inhibitors on a more rational basis. In conclusion, some thoughts are expressed regarding the current disinterest shown by students in chemistry as a major subject. Students' interest in chemistry will only be recaptured if academic chemists can advance vastly more effective programmes for improving student understanding of and appreciation for the positive applications of this science.

History

Date of creation

2009-02-23

Date submitted to repository

1971-04-19

Copyright information

University of Johannesburg

Original repository

Vital

Language Translation

Organic chemistry in biological context

Repository

Special Collections

Collection/Group

Inaugural addresses

Sub collection

1005|RAU Inaugural Addresses

Type of material

Inaugural

Research purpose

Teaching lecture

Legacy Handle

10210/2138

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