Posted by Emme_V2 on March 4, 2013, at 7:00:21 [reposted on March 5, 2013, at 16:52:32 | original URL]
In reply to Benzene rings are necessary for life., posted by SLS on March 4, 2013, at 0:18:46
> > Yes, I am saying what you are hearing, in that drugs with benzene rings can be dangerous. This is all because benzene causes cancer.
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> For anyone else who is reading this thread, I would offer that these statements are, in fact, untrue, and that they neglect all of biological science in their making.
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> For the sake of perspective, it can be said that even pure water is deadly if consumed in large enough quantities. (It produces hyponatremia).
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> Benzene is a simple organic compound comprised of a specific carbon ring structure, sometimes known as a benzene ring or an aromatic ring. By itself, the benzene molecule is carcinogenic. However, when the central aromatic ring is incorporated into the larger molecules of life, it acts to support untold biological functions. In fact, all of life depends on aromatic (benzene) rings. Aromatic rings are found in several amino acids. These include phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and histidine, all of which are incorporated into structural proteins, enzymes, and neurotransmitters.
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> - ScottGood points, Scott. If I may add, let's clarify terms. "Benzene ring" is a different term than "benzene." Benzene has the chemical formula C6H6. A quick look at the molecular structure of, say, serotonin or melatonin shows that some of the hydrogen atoms in the ring structure have been substituted with other atoms or functional groups. The formulas for these molecules is far more complex than C6H6, as are their structures, which also contain a pyrrole aromatic ring and a couple of functional groups.
I believe the confusion for Lou lies in the fact that the therm "benzene ring" contains the word "benzene." Now what if scientists had chosen to name to instead name the benzene ring "carbon-based aromatic ring"? It would have been C-BAR. Then I suspect this discussion would not even be taking place.
poster:Emme_V2
thread:1039461
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20130222/msgs/1039646.html