Electron spin may subtly break the symmetry between mirror-image molecules, helping explain why biology chose one molecular hand.

Scientists may have uncovered a quantum-level clue to one of biology’s oldest mysteries: why life overwhelmingly favors one molecular “hand” over its mirror image. A new study points to electron spin, a subtle quantum property, as a factor that may help explain homochirality, life’s preference for one “handed” version of key molecules.

science

Electron spin may subtly break the symmetry between mirror-image molecules, helping explain why biology chose one molecular hand.

Scientists may have uncovered a quantum-level clue to one of biology’s oldest mysteries: why life overwhelmingly favors one molecular “hand” over its mirror image. A new study points to electron spin, a subtle quantum property, as a factor that may help explain homochirality, life’s preference for one “handed” version of key molecules.