What term refers to a drug that consists of both D- and L-forms?

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Prepare for the UCF BCH4024 Medical Biochemistry Exam 1. Study with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations on various key topics. Boost your confidence and ensure you're ready for your exam!

The term that refers to a drug that consists of both D- and L- forms is "racemic mixture." A racemic mixture contains equal amounts of two enantiomers, which are molecules that are mirror images of each other. In this context, the D- and L- forms of a drug are specific enantiomers, and when both are present in equal proportions, this mixture can exhibit unique properties. For example, one enantiomer may be therapeutically active while the other could be less active or even produce different effects.

This concept is crucial in pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, as the biological activity, metabolism, and safety profiles can vary significantly between different enantiomers of a chiral compound. Therefore, understanding racemic mixtures is important for drug development and therapeutic application.