Science

How plant enzymes learned to tell mirror-image molecules apart

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 09/10/2026, 15:25:25 UTC.

Briefings

A 2026 study reveals that plant enzymes evolved to distinguish between mirror-image molecules (enantiomers) like menthol and limonene, which differ in biological effects despite similar structures. The research suggests this capability is a key evolutionary adaptation for plants to process diverse chemical environments. The study is a preprint and does not yet include a full peer review, so some findings remain preliminary. The evidence focuses on the structural and functional differences between enantiomers in natural plant systems.

Key points

• Plant enzymes evolved to distinguish between enantiomers such as menthol and limonene, which have nearly identical structures but different biological effects.
• The study is a preprint from October 2026 and lacks a complete peer review, meaning some findings are preliminary and subject to further validation.

Context and limitations

The evidence covers only naturally occurring enantiomers like menthol and limonene. It does not provide data on the specific evolutionary timeline of enzyme development or the full range of chemical environments plants face.

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