Both of these examples explain the phenomenon of enantiomers.
Enantiomers are compounds with identical chemical composition that are mirror images of each other.
The major difference that exists between two enantiomers of a compound is the conformation or positioning of the molecules in three-dimensional space. In nature, both enantiomeric forms of a compound are usually produced, yet often times, only one enantiomer is useful. Like a hand that only recognizes the correct glove for a perfect fit, the human body recognizes only one enantiomer of an enantiomeric pair. Specific structure and enantiomeric recognition are also crucial in the body s use of enzymes to achieve a perfect fit with substrates in the catalysis of biochemical processes. Until recent years, little was known about the differing actions of two enantiomers in an enantiomeric pair.