Autoradiography, Biology

Assignment Help:

Autoradiography

Autoradiography is a modification of the radioactive tracer technique. In this technique, the radioactivity is detected by a thin film of photographic emulsion containing silver compounds which is put over a labelled cell or tissue. The rays emitted by radioisotope from the cell or tissue expose the photographic emulsion like a photographic film which is developed in a dark room. Silver grains are seen as black dots on parts of the specimen where radioisotope is accumulated.

Autoradiography reveals the metabolic processes of the cell. For example, by labelling cells with 3H thymidine, it is found that silver grains are localised in nucleus, which shows that DNA is synthesised in the nucleus. Similarly, by labelling cells with 3H uridine, silver grains are first seen in nucleus and then after some time these grains appear in the cytoplasm. This clearly demonstrates that RNA is initially synthesised in the nucleus but later on migrates to the cytoplasm.

Different radioisotopes are used for localising different macromolecules. As stated earlier,  cells are labelled with 3H thymidine for the studX of DNA metabolism, 3H uridine to study RNA metabolism, tritiated amino acids for examining the synthesis of proteins, treated monosaccharides such as 3H-mannose and 3H-fucose for examining the synthesis of polysaccharides.


Related Discussions:- Autoradiography

Explain about the importance of vitamin e in human body, Explain about the ...

Explain about the Importance of Vitamin E in Human Body? Vitamin E is the generic term for tocopherols and tocopherols that have a Phenolic functional group on a chromane ring

Mitral valve, This valve has the same basic features as  of the Tricuspid V...

This valve has the same basic features as  of the Tricuspid Valve. It has an anterior and a posterior cusp. The anterior cusp is larger and is attached on the upper right part of t

Define the effects of dietary fibre, Define the Effects of Dietary Fibre? ...

Define the Effects of Dietary Fibre? After reviewing the properties of fibre, we will now study various physiological effects of fibre, as it passes through the gut. The effect

Concentration of noradrenergic cell bodies, The major concentration of nora...

The major concentration of noradrenergic (and adrenergic) cell bodies is found in locus ceruleus a nucleus in the reticular formation. The axons of these neurons project through t

Define can we improve the nutritive value of protein, Define Can we improve...

Define Can we improve the nutritive value of protein? Yes, as discussed above, the nutritive value of a protein can be improved in two ways: (1) by mutual supplementation, that

Explain fundamental of the photosynthesis process, Q. Is it correct to cons...

Q. Is it correct to consider water decomposition by the action of light the fundamental of the photosynthesis process? In addition ADP photophosphorylation, photic energy is al

How does the structure of a chloroplast enable, How does the structure of a...

How does the structure of a chloroplast enable it to build up a concentration gradient of protons?  Chloroplasts have an inner membrane system having of thylakoids. The pumpin

Theories of ageing, THEORIES OF AGEING - 1 .       Compromise theory....

THEORIES OF AGEING - 1 .       Compromise theory. 2 .        Wear & tear theory. 3 .       Somatic mutation theory. 4 .       Immunity theory - Thymus becom

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd