Understanding how a chemical breaks down is critical for several reasons:
- Toxicity Assessment: Some chemicals may be harmless until they are metabolized into more toxic intermediates. Knowing the breakdown pathways helps predict potential toxicity.
- Drug Development: In pharmacology, the breakdown of drugs must be well-understood to ensure efficacy and safety. Metabolic breakdown can affect drug half-life and dosing regimens.
- Environmental Impact: For environmental toxicology, the breakdown of pollutants determines their persistence and potential harm to ecosystems.
