Given the same facts, how can experts disagree?

This activity illustrates how two experts might disagree over the structure of a molecule and an analysis of the usefulness of 2D diagrams of 3D chemicals in Biology (NoS). 

Some scientists draw Ribose with the -OH and -H groups in different positions in a 2D diagram.
Are they wrong? How is it possible that there can be disagreement?

Take a look at this image of Ribose it has the -OH group on C1 carbon going upwards. In IB past paper question in May 2004 and 2008 there were molecules of ribose with the C1 -OH going down. I couldn't find a diagram the other way round.

Which diagram is wrong?  Could they both be right? Is the problem caused by trying to represent a 3D molecule in a simplified 2D diagram.

In fact the four bonds on a Carbon atom (in methane) form a tetrahedral shape. The 2D diagrams IB Biologists learn to draw are simplifications.

Some would argue that they are useful because they help biology students to understand the nature of biological molecules and from that understanding the functioning of enzymes and the properties of cell membranes and other cell organelles. 
All of this without worrying about 3D shape and bond angles - which IB chemists have to do.

In RIbose if the -O- is at the top and C1 on the right then the C1 -OH group comes forwards. See this video clip.

If you view from slightly above then -OH looks lower than H on the C1. If you look from below then the -OH looks higher.
The best way to see is using the 3D rendering of the Chemspider 3D JS model

This is a really interesting point for discussion with students. It would cover the NOS points on the use of models (1.10) and it would address the TOK dilemma between simplification to aid understanding and the the accuracy of complex models.

This problem of experts disagreeing features in 2007 TOK Essay titles:

Title 5: Given access to the same facts, how is it possible that there can be disagreement between experts in a discipline?