Radioisotopes, Biology

Assignment Help:

Radioisotopes

Radioisotopes are those forms of an element which exhibit rzdioactivity and so can be used as markers or tracers. For this purpose, we first introduce the radioisotope in a molecule in the cell and then detect the radioactivity with the help of certain device. For example, if we replace a suitable hydrogen atom of thymidine by 3H, we may trace the course of thymidine in the cell. Since thymidine is a component of DNA but not of RNA, we can be sure that we are following only DNA metabolism. Similarly, to know the course of protein synthesis we may use radioactively labelled amino acids.

Radioisotopes are used to:

(a) measure the rates of metabolic turnover of a material within a cell or tissue,

(b) locate the site of synthesis of molecules,

(c) measure the rate of exchange of materials across cellular membranes,

(d) locate a molecule in a cell. Radioisotopes are widely applied to study also the precursor-product relathship.

Many times when a radioactively labelled mokcule (pncursor) is introduced into a system. The molecule is chemically converted into another form (product). For example, when radioactive iron is introduced in blood, radioactivity can be detected in liver femtin and haemoglobin of red blood cells. Similarly, radioactivity of 32P- labelled phosphate can be detected in many phospholipids.


Related Discussions:- Radioisotopes

Explain genetically modified organisms, Q. Explain Genetically Modified Org...

Q. Explain Genetically Modified Organisms? Techniques that use gene modification through (a) recombinant DNA technology and (b) cellular techniques of introducing DNA into an o

Temperature stress, Temperature Stress We know that temperature alongwi...

Temperature Stress We know that temperature alongwith water is an important influence on the geographical distribution and range of organisms. Every organism is restricted to a

Excretory system, What are the excretory organ in protozoa,coelenterates, i...

What are the excretory organ in protozoa,coelenterates, insects,spider,and arthropods

Menstrual cycle- reproduction, Menstrual Cycle- Reproduction Menstrual...

Menstrual Cycle- Reproduction Menstrual cycles are characteristic of primates and do not occur in other vertebrate groups. The length of the cycle is highly variable, though 2

Predisposing factors and pathphysiology of meningitis, Predisposing Factors...

Predisposing Factors The patients with diabets mellitus, malignancies and those on immunosuppressive drugs have reduced resistance and are more susceptible to develop meningi

What do you mean by synapses, Q. What do you mean by synapses? Synapses...

Q. What do you mean by synapses? Synapses are the structures that transmit the neural impulse between two neurons. When the electric impulse arrives the presynaptic membrane

Define absorption, Define absorption, transport and excretion of magnesium?...

Define absorption, transport and excretion of magnesium? Magnesium absorption to some extent is similar to that of Ca. Absorption of Mg occurs throughout the small intestine, a

Why is aids difficult to prevent by vaccination, Why is AIDS difficult to p...

Why is AIDS difficult to prevent by vaccination? It is complex to produce a vaccine against AIDS because the HIV is a highly mutant virus. In almost every replication the produ

Sequence was found in a 21 base dna polymer., Suppose the following base se...

Suppose the following base sequence was found in a 21 base DNA polymer. 3' TAC   TTA   GGC   TCC    GTT    CAG   ATT       5' 1. Provide the nucleotide sequence complementary

What is gastrulation, Q. What is gastrulation? How during gastrulation are ...

Q. What is gastrulation? How during gastrulation are the first two germ layers formed? What are these germ layers? Gastrulation is the process through which a portion of the bl

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