Advancing Industrial Societies with Organic Chemistry

Importance of Studying Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, and reactivity of molecules that contain carbon atoms. This field of chemistry is important because carbon-based molecules make up the majority of all living things (Carey & Giuliano, 2013). By understanding how these molecules interact, researchers can gain a better understanding of how life functions at the most basic level. Additionally, organic chemistry plays a key role in many industrial and commercial applications. For example, many common plastics are made from organic polymers, and pharmaceutical companies use organic synthesis to create new drugs. As a result, understanding organic chemistry is essential for anyone looking to pursue a career in the sciences. It is relevant to the advancement of industries, and it can be especially useful in the advancement of technological societies.

The study of organic chemistry opens a window onto the interaction of molecules at the most basic levels of functioning life. Having this window is important because it allows researchers to understand the processes by which life flourishes (Clayden et al., 2012). Most people are familiar with the basic building blocks of life: DNA, RNA, and proteins. What they may not realize is that these molecules are all made of smaller units, called atoms. Atoms can form bonds with one another to create larger molecules, and the study of these bonds is known as organic chemistry. Organic chemistry is essential for understanding how basic life functions work.

Taking the example of studying DNA, one can look more deeply into how a study of the building blocks of life creates opportunities for scientists and researchers to gain new ground in the frontiers of science. DNA, for instance, is made up of two strands that twist around one another. The bonds between the atoms in each strand are relatively weak, but they are essential for holding the DNA molecule together. Organic chemists have found that the specific arrangement of atoms in DNA determines the sequence of genetic information, which sequence provides the instructions needed for cell growth and development. Proteins, vital for many cellular processes, are also made up of atoms that are bonded together. The particular arrangement of atoms in a protein determines its three-dimensional shape, and this shape is essential for the protein to function properly. If one alters theses shapes or plays with these various parts, life is altered (Wade, 1999). Based upon such understanding, researchers can then begin to change the world around them. Thus, organic chemistry is used in a variety of fields, including medicine, agriculture, and materials science. In medicine, organic chemistry is used to develop new drugs and to create more effective treatments for existing diseases. In agriculture, it is used to develop new pesticides and fertilizers. And in materials science, it is used to create new types of plastics and other materials.