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

gas exchange, what are the organs of respiration in the lower form of anim...

what are the organs of respiration in the lower form of animals?

The warmest parts of the body?, What are likely to be (a) the coldest, (b) ...

What are likely to be (a) the coldest, (b) the warmest parts of the body? The extremities of the body (hands and fingers, feet and toes, ears and nose) are likely to be the col

When the carbon dioxide concentration is increased, Why is the carbon dioxi...

Why is the carbon dioxide concentration a limiting factor of the photosynthesis process? When the carbon dioxide concentration is increased indefinitely is photosynthesis also incr

What is the dosage and cost of micafungin, Dosage and cost of micafungin ...

Dosage and cost of micafungin The recommended dosage of micafungin is 50 mg/day for prophylaxis and 150 mg/day for treatment, both given IV as a single dose over 1 hour.

Define recommended intake of fibre, Define Recommended Intake of Fibre? ...

Define Recommended Intake of Fibre? 1. A minimum of fibre intake of 20 g/day is recommended by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), the National Cancer Institute, US and th

Explain the associated nerves and vessels, Associated nerves and vessels ...

Associated nerves and vessels The Anterior superior alveolar, Infraorbital, and Posterior superior alveolar nerves and arteries provide both the innervation and blood supply to

What are the typical fauna of the temperate forests, What are the typical v...

What are the typical vegetation and the typical fauna of the temperate forests? In the temperate forest deciduous trees predominate. Mammals are originated in great number, as

Define gluconeogenesis, What is gluconeogenesis? Highlight its significance...

What is gluconeogenesis? Highlight its significance giving any two examples Gluconeogenesis (i.e synthesis of new glucose) is the synthesis of carbohydrate from non-carbohydrat

Name two foods which are a good source of this vitamin, a) Which vitamin he...

a) Which vitamin helps to maintain resistance to infectious diseases? b) Name two foods which are a good source of this vitamin.   a) Vitamin A (retinol) helps m

Role of wter, What is the role of water in metabolism and photosynthesis I

What is the role of water in metabolism and photosynthesis I

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