A tiny change in a molecule’s geometry completely changes its effects on the human body. How We Made This Video (Ever & David Talk About Drugs): https://youtu.be/tefxgYP0BVM

If you liked this week’s video, we think you might also like: Breaking Bad: http://www.amc.com/shows/breaking-bad

LEARN MORE

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To learn more about this topic, start your googling with these keywords:

• Enantiomers: Molecules that are mirror images of each other.
• Chirality: A geometric property that makes a molecule non-superimposable on its mirror image.
• Methamphetamine: A central nervous system stimulant.
• Levmetamfetamine: The new name for the left-handed version of methamphetamine, which acts as a vasoconstrictor.
• Carvone: A terpenoid found in many essential oils.

CREDITS

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Script Writer: David Goldenberg Video Illustrator: Ever Salazar Video Narrator: Ever Salazar With Contributions From: Henry Reich, Alex Reich, Kate Yoshida, Emily Elert, Peter Reich Music by: Nathaniel Schroeder

MinuteEarth is produced by Neptune Studios LLC https://neptunestudios.info

IMAGE CREDITS

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Mint - Darya Pino https://www.flickr.com/photos/summertomato/3570433046

Black Licorice - US FDA (Public Domain) https://www.flickr.com/photos/fdaphotos/6280412705

Facepalm statue - Alex E. Proimos https://www.flickr.com/photos/proimos/4199675334/

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• Become our patron: https://patreon.com/MinuteEarth
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REFERENCES

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Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL., et al. “The Making or Breaking of Covalent Bonds Involves Large Energy Changes”. Molecular Cell Biology. Section 2:1 (22). Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21595/#A261

Wallach, J. “A Comprehensive Guide to the Clandestine Chemistry of 'Breaking Bad'” Vice. (2013). Retrieved from: https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-clandestine-chemistry-of-breaking-bad.

Thanks to the following experts for their input and feedback:

Jason Wallach, Vice writer and chemist

Donna Nelson, University of Oklahoma chemistry professor and technical advisor to ‘Breaking Bad’

Adam Braunschweig, CUNY chemistry professor (http://www.braunschweiggroup.org/)

Justin Dragna, University of Texas chemistry professor