Explore why the molecular-level structure is critical to the functioning of designed materials (HS-PS2-6).
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Structure & Function
Structure: Metals form a lattice of positive ions surrounded by a "sea" of delocalized electrons.
Function: Because these electrons are free to move, applying a voltage causes a net drift of charge. This molecular-level structure makes metals excellent electrical conductors.
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Structure & Function
Structure: Polymers are composed of very long, chained molecules that can become tangled or coiled.
Function: When stress is applied, these long chains can uncoil, straighten, and slide past each other without breaking the strong covalent bonds. This makes them flexible but highly durable.
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Test which drug molecule fits the target cellular receptor.
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Structure & Function
Structure: Pharmaceutical molecules have highly specific 3D geometric shapes and charge distributions.
Function: Drugs must fit perfectly into specific cellular receptors (the "lock and key" model) to trigger or block a biological response. Only the correct molecular structure functions properly.