What are isomers?

Isomers are defined as compounds that share the same molecular formula but have different structures. This structural variation results in distinct physical and chemical properties, even though the atoms involved are the same. For example, glucose and fructose both have the molecular formula C6H12O6, but their structural arrangements lead to different characteristics and functions within biological systems.

Understanding isomers is important in fields like organic chemistry and biochemistry because the arrangement of atoms can greatly influence a substance's reactivity and interaction with other biological molecules. The variation in structure can create isomers that may have different biological roles, such as enzymes and substrates that participate in metabolic pathways.

In contrast, other options fail to accurately define isomers. The idea of having the same molecular weight does not capture the specific requirements of isomerism, and the implication that compounds cannot change structure or that minerals share properties does not align with the concept of isomers in organic chemistry.