An Illustrated and Cross-Referenced Glossary of
Malacological and Conchological Terms

by Paul S. Mikkelsen

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Term Definition

CHIRALITY   An asymmetry property important in several branches of science. An object or a system is called CHIRAL if it differs from its mirror image, and its mirror image cannot superimpose on the original object. A chiral object and its mirror image are called ENANTIOMORPHS (Greek opposite forms) or, when referring to molecules, enantiomers. A non-chiral object is called ACHIRAL (sometimes also AMPHICHIRAL) and can be superimposed on its mirror image. Used in the context of Busycon and the SINISTRAL and DEXTRAL forms.
   


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