Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds

Isomers

GOB Chemistry

13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds

Isomers

Previous problemNext problem

2:16 minutes

Problem 74

Textbook Question

The vision process in animals involves the change of one double bond in retinal from its cis form to its trans form. The structures of cis and trans retinal are shown below. Label which is cis and which is trans.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the difference between cis and trans isomers: Cis isomers have substituents on the same side of the double bond, while trans isomers have substituents on opposite sides of the double bond.

Examine the structure of the retinal molecules provided in the image. Focus on the double bond in question and the positions of the substituents attached to the carbon atoms of the double bond.

Identify the molecule where the substituents are on the same side of the double bond. This is the cis isomer.

Identify the molecule where the substituents are on opposite sides of the double bond. This is the trans isomer.

Label the structures accordingly: The molecule with substituents on the same side of the double bond is labeled as 'cis,' and the molecule with substituents on opposite sides is labeled as 'trans.'

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Retinal Structure

Retinal is a light-sensitive molecule found in the photoreceptor cells of the retina. It exists in two isomeric forms: cis and trans. The cis form has a bent structure due to a double bond, while the trans form is more linear. This structural difference is crucial for its function in the vision process, as the conversion between these forms initiates the phototransduction cascade.

Isomerization

Isomerization refers to the process by which a molecule changes its structure without altering its molecular formula. In the context of retinal, the isomerization from cis to trans occurs when it absorbs light. This change is essential for activating the visual pigments in photoreceptors, leading to the perception of light and color.

Phototransduction

Phototransduction is the biochemical process by which light is converted into electrical signals in the retina. When retinal changes from its cis to trans form, it triggers a series of reactions involving proteins like opsins. This cascade ultimately results in the hyperpolarization of photoreceptor cells, allowing the brain to interpret visual information.

Previous problemNext problem

2:16m