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

Artificial skin, Artificial Skin: The skin generated in vitro is in fac...

Artificial Skin: The skin generated in vitro is in fact the epidermis portion of skin only; when the epidermis is applied to the burnt part, this leads to the regeneration of d

Explain left ventricle enlargement, Q. Explain Left Ventricle Enlargement? ...

Q. Explain Left Ventricle Enlargement? The left ventricle (LV) is ellipsoid in shape. It lies behind, and to the left of the right ventricle. Its long axis lies at about 45 deg

Illustrate about the term- hypnagogic hallucinations, Illustrate about the ...

Illustrate about the term- Hypnagogic hallucinations  Hypnagogic hallucinations (Greek, 'hypnos' meaning "sleep," and 'gogic' meaning "enter into") are episodes of auditory, vi

How much calories in dried fruits, How much calories in Dried fruits Dr...

How much calories in Dried fruits Dried fruits are exceptionally rich in calories and they supply significant amounts of minerals. Of the vitamins found in fruits, β-Carotene a

Producers-biotic components, Producers Autotrophs (self-nourishing) are...

Producers Autotrophs (self-nourishing) are green plants as they synthesise carbohydrates from simple inorganic raw materials like carbon dioxide and water in the presence of su

Functional difference between neurons and glial cells, Q. What are the func...

Q. What are the functional differences between neurons and glial cells? Neurons and Glial cells are the cells that form the nervous system. Neurons are cells that have the func

Hindbrain - cerebellum, HIND BRAIN - 1 .       CEREBELLUM - Li...

HIND BRAIN - 1 .       CEREBELLUM - Little part, lies below the posterior part of cerebrum & above the medulla oblongeta. It conists of median lobe vermis & 2 lat

What is its function of pylorus, Q. What is the valve that separates the du...

Q. What is the valve that separates the duodenum from the stomach called? What is its function? The valve that separates the stomach from the duodenum is the pylorus it has the

List the goals of targeting blood pressure in diabetics, List the goals of ...

List the goals of targeting blood pressure in diabetics. Goals of targeting blood pressure in diabetics are:  Patients with diabetes should be treated to a systolic blood pr

What is constipation, Q. What is Constipation? Constipation is irregula...

Q. What is Constipation? Constipation is irregular, infrequent or difficult passage of faeces. It is the most common physiological disorder of the alimentary tract. It is chara

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