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

by Paul S. Mikkelsen

Look for:  
Search results for:   CHIRAL       4 terms were found.

Term Definition

ACHIRAL   A non-CHIRAL object; = AMPHICHIRAL.
   

AMPHICHIRAL   See: ACHIRAL.
   

CHIRAL   An object having the property of CHIRALITY.
   

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.
   


Copyright ©Paul S. Mikkelsen, All Rights Reserved Return to Home Page  |  Return to Top Over 1700 Terms in the Glossary!