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 phylum tracheophyta, Phylum Tracheophyta Tracheophytes mean vas...

Phylum Tracheophyta Tracheophytes mean vascular plants. Tracheophyta includes ferns, the gymnosperms and the flowering plants. They have appeared some 400 million years ago, an

Class of crustacea - copepoda, Class of Crustacea - Copepoda Copepoda ...

Class of Crustacea - Copepoda Copepoda is a huge class of small (1-5mm) crustaceans occupying both marine and freshwater environments. Copepods form the several abundant and c

Symptoms of hiatus hernia, Q. Symptoms of hiatus hernia? In most patien...

Q. Symptoms of hiatus hernia? In most patients, no symptoms are seen. When symptoms do occur, they are: 1. discomfort after heavy meal, 2. Difficulty in breathing while l

State the active hyperemia, Which of the following is true for active hyper...

Which of the following is true for active hyperemia, a local control mechanism within the circulatory system? A. There will be a decrease in force developed by smooth muscles s

Green leaves give off oxygen in sunlight, Green leaves give off oxygen in s...

Green leaves give off oxygen in sunlight Place some water weed under a funnel in a beaker of water reverse a test tube full of water over the tube of the funnel. Leave the appa

Define the management of epileptic patients, Define the Management of Epile...

Define the Management of Epileptic Patients? The primary treatment of epilepsy is anticonvulsant drugs. The focus of nutritional management is a diet, which is appropriate for

Explain about oral irrigation devices, Oral irrigation Devices The use ...

Oral irrigation Devices The use of oral irrigation devices has been controversial due to concerns about incomplete plaque removal and potential separation of connective issue f

Is protein collagen has a high proportion of glycine, The protein collagen ...

The protein collagen has a high proportion (20% or more) of A. asparagine and glutamine B. proline and hydroxyproline C. glycine D. both A and B E. both A and C F

Explain separation of homologous chromosomes, Q. What are the respective fu...

Q. What are the respective functions of the separation of homologous chromosomes and of the separation of alike chromatids in meiosis? The separation of homologous chromosomes

What is the function of the secretions of the prostate, What is the functio...

What is the function of the secretions of the prostate, seminal vesicle and bulbourethral glands in reproduction? These secretions with sperm cells from the testicles form the

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