Do not be afraid of organic chemistry. | Jakob Magolan | TEDxUIdaho

Summary

The speaker passionately advocates for a reformed perception of organic chemistry, emphasizing its beauty and importance beyond the daunting pre-med curriculum. Using epinephrine as a focal point, they illustrate the molecular structure's significance in life-saving applications. The talk demystifies organic chemistry by explaining the bonding rules of atoms and showcasing the synthesis of molecules, including those derived from petroleum. It concludes by highlighting chemistry's broader applications in society and the environment, aiming to reclaim the term 'chemical' from its negative connotations.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Organic chemistry is often perceived as a difficult subject, especially for pre-med students aiming to become doctors, dentists, or veterinarians.
• 🌟 The speaker passionately argues that organic chemistry should not be feared and is an essential science that can be made accessible to everyone.
• 💊 Epinephrine, a drug found in EpiPens, is used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions and serves as an example of the practical applications of organic chemistry.
• 🔬 The chemical structure of epinephrine is composed of 26 atoms bonded together, demonstrating the complexity and beauty of organic molecules.
• 🌌 The sheer number of epinephrine molecules in a small quantity is staggering, illustrating the microscopic scale at which organic chemistry operates.
• 🧬 Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-based molecules, which are the building blocks of life, and carbon's ability to form a specific number of bonds is key to its importance.
• 🔍 Scientists use sophisticated instruments like nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers to understand the structure of molecules too small to be seen with conventional microscopes.
• ✍️ The script explains how to represent molecules graphically, highlighting the simplicity of the rules that govern how atoms bond to form molecules.
• 🌱 Nature is the original organic chemist, creating complex molecules through biosynthesis, and human-made synthetic molecules can be identical to those found in nature.
• 💊 The development of new molecules, whether synthetic or natural, is crucial for advancements in medicine, as seen with drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis and blood cancer.
• 🌐 Organic chemistry has broad applications beyond medicine, influencing the creation of oils, solvents, flavors, fabrics, and plastics, all of which are part of our daily lives.

Q & A

What is the general perception of organic chemistry among students as described in the script?

The general perception of organic chemistry among students is that it is a grueling, heavy course that is overwhelming and often perceived as an obstacle in their path to becoming medical professionals. It is sometimes referred to as a 'weed out' course, causing anxiety and fear among students.

Why does the speaker believe the current perception of organic chemistry is problematic?

The speaker believes the current perception of organic chemistry is problematic because it is not conducive to science or society, and it is based on the experiences of pre-med students who are already going through an anxious time in their lives. The speaker argues that a basic knowledge of organic chemistry should be accessible and not feared.

What is epinephrine and why is it significant in the context of the script?

Epinephrine is a drug found in EpiPens that can restart the heart or stop a life-threatening allergic reaction. It is significant in the script because it serves as an example of a life-saving molecule that is the result of organic chemistry, illustrating the practical importance and value of the subject.

How does the speaker attempt to demystify the chemical structure of epinephrine?

The speaker demystifies the chemical structure of epinephrine by describing it as a physical object with depth and rotating parts, and by explaining the unique arrangement of its 26 atoms. The speaker also uses the analogy of a grain of sand to illustrate the immense number of epinephrine molecules present in a small amount.

What are the four main building blocks of life according to the script?

The four main building blocks of life according to the script are hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen.

How does the speaker simplify the understanding of how atoms bond in organic chemistry?

The speaker simplifies the understanding of how atoms bond in organic chemistry by stating a rule of thumb: hydrogen makes one bond, oxygen always makes two, nitrogen makes three, and carbon makes four.

What is the significance of the smallest molecules that follow the bonding rules in organic chemistry?

The significance of the smallest molecules that follow the bonding rules in organic chemistry is that they highlight the basic rules of bonding and are familiar compounds: water (H2O), ammonia (NH3), and methane (CH4).

How does the script differentiate between natural and synthetic molecules?

The script differentiates between natural and synthetic molecules by stating that at the atomic scale, there is no difference between the two if they have the same molecular structure. The words 'natural' and 'synthetic' become irrelevant when discussing the molecule's properties and effects.

What role does organic chemistry play in the development of medicines according to the script?

Organic chemistry plays a crucial role in the development of medicines by allowing scientists to understand, synthesize, and manipulate molecules that can fit into biological systems like keys in locks, interfering with the chemistry of diseases.

Why does the speaker advocate for reclaiming the word 'chemical'?

The speaker advocates for reclaiming the word 'chemical' because it has been wrongly associated with being toxic, harmful, man-made, or unnatural. The speaker emphasizes that chemicals are simply substances, and the term should not carry negative connotations.

What is the broader impact of organic chemistry beyond medicine as mentioned in the script?

The broader impact of organic chemistry extends to the creation of oils, solvents, flavors, fabrics, plastics, and other materials that are essential to various industries and everyday life, highlighting the pervasiveness and importance of organic chemistry in society.