MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Practice Exam

Configurational isomerism refers to a type of stereoisomerism where the arrangement of atoms in space can be altered without breaking any bonds. This can occur through different types of stereoisomers, including cis-trans isomerism and optical isomerism. The term emphasizes that the isomers are distinct and cannot be interconverted without the breaking of bonds, which is a key characteristic distinguishing them from other forms of isomerism that allow for rotational freedoms.

In configurational isomerism, the differences in spatial arrangement lead to variations in chemical and physical properties, despite having the same molecular formula. This makes configurational isomerism crucial in organic chemistry and biochemistry, where small changes in the arrangement of atoms can have significant effects on function and reactivity.

Conformational isomerism, while also a form of stereoisomerism, allows for different spatial arrangements through rotation around single bonds, meaning that this type does not involve breaking bonds. Geometric isomerism is a subset of configurational isomerism specifically related to compounds with restricted rotation, such as those containing double bonds or cyclic structures. Stereoisomerism is a broader category encompassing both configurational and conformational isomerisms. Thus, configurational isomerism