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

Conservation of biodiversity, Conservation of biodiversity is very importan...

Conservation of biodiversity is very important to maintain the ecological balance of ecosystem. Various steps for conservation of biodiversity: 1.           Creation of consc

What is gluconeogenesis, What is gluconeogenesis There is accumulation ...

What is gluconeogenesis There is accumulation of lactate, which is released into the blood and taken up by  the liver where  it  is converted to glucose by  the  process called

Protozoa, general charactres and classfication

general charactres and classfication

Results-types of surgery in ar, Results: Largely depends on the LV functi...

Results: Largely depends on the LV function. In most centres surgical mortality is 3 to 4 percent. For patients with severe LV dysfunction the immediate and late results of sur

Congenital anomalies of small and large intestines, Congenital Anomalies of...

Congenital Anomalies of Small and Large Intestines: 1) Intussusecption  Intussusecption  is the invagination or telescoping  of one part of  the intestine into another part

Define about the simple proteins, Define about the Simple proteins? Sim...

Define about the Simple proteins? Simple proteins are those which contain only amino acids or their derivatives and no prosthetic group. They yield only amino acids or their de

The importance of buffer systems in the human body, Outline the importance ...

Outline the importance of buffer systems in the human body. In addition, describe the main biological buffer systems and how they function.

What is acid cleaning compounds, Q. What is Acid cleaning compounds? Ac...

Q. What is Acid cleaning compounds? Acid-based cleaners like phosphoric acid and hydrofluoric acid are commonly used. They are very useful in removing minimal scales that

True cyst- endodontics principles and practice, True cyst: cyst that is co...

True cyst: cyst that is completely lined by epithelial tissues.All the lesions are far away without communication with endodontic access or endodontic cavity or periapical

Nutrition affecting the growth of microorganism, Q. Can Nutrition affecting...

Q. Can Nutrition affecting the growth of microorganism? Ans. Food is food to humans and microbes - be it carbohydrates, proteins or fats. The nutritional requirements of b

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