Radioactive isotopes (radioisotopes) of elements are commonly used in biological experiments as tracers to follow and detect molecules of interest. For example, photosynthetic intermediates produced during carbon dioxide conversion to sugars were detected by exposing algae to carbon dioxide containing a radioactive form of carbon. This radioactive carbon could be rapidly detected in molecules produced by the algae during carbon fixation and sugar production. Why can scientists substitute radioisotopes for isotopes commonly found in cells when conducting experiments? Select an Answer O A. Radioisotopes of an element differ only in the number of neutrons, so therefore they behave the same way chemically as the isotopes that occur in cells. B. Compounds containing radioisotopes are not acted upon by enzymes, so the radioisotopes will therefore not interfere with normal cellular processes. O C. Radioisotopes contain additional protons, so they are heavier than the nonradioactive isotopes found in cells and can therefore be easily traced. D. Radioisotopes differ in electron number from nonradioactive isotopes, so they are more chemically reactive and therefore easier to trace.
Radioactive isotopes (radioisotopes) of elements are commonly used in biological experiments as tracers to follow and detect molecules of interest. For example, photosynthetic intermediates produced during carbon dioxide conversion to sugars were detected by exposing algae to carbon dioxide containing a radioactive form of carbon. This radioactive carbon could be rapidly detected in molecules produced by the algae during carbon fixation and sugar production. Why can scientists substitute radioisotopes for isotopes commonly found in cells when conducting experiments? Select an Answer O A. Radioisotopes of an element differ only in the number of neutrons, so therefore they behave the same way chemically as the isotopes that occur in cells. B. Compounds containing radioisotopes are not acted upon by enzymes, so the radioisotopes will therefore not interfere with normal cellular processes. O C. Radioisotopes contain additional protons, so they are heavier than the nonradioactive isotopes found in cells and can therefore be easily traced. D. Radioisotopes differ in electron number from nonradioactive isotopes, so they are more chemically reactive and therefore easier to trace.
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
Related questions
Question
Transcribed Image Text:Radioactive isotopes (radioisotopes) of elements are commonly used in biological experiments as
tracers to follow and detect molecules of interest. For example, photosynthetic intermediates
produced during carbon dioxide conversion to sugars were detected by exposing algae to carbon
dioxide containing a radioactive form of carbon. This radioactive carbon could be rapidly detected in
molecules produced by the algae during carbon fixation and sugar production. Why can scientists
substitute radioisotopes for isotopes commonly found in cells when conducting experiments?
Select an Answer
O A. Radioisotopes of an element differ only in the number of neutrons, so therefore
they behave the same way chemically as the isotopes that occur in cells.
B. Compounds containing radioisotopes are not acted upon by enzymes, so the
radioisotopes will therefore not interfere with normal cellular processes.
O C. Radioisotopes contain additional protons, so they are heavier than the
nonradioactive isotopes found in cells and can therefore be easily traced.
D. Radioisotopes differ in electron number from nonradioactive isotopes, so they are
more chemically reactive and therefore easier to trace.
Expert Solution
This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
This is a popular solution!
Trending now
This is a popular solution!
Step by step
Solved in 3 steps
Knowledge Booster
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.Recommended textbooks for you
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9780134580999
Author:
Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:
PEARSON
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:
9781947172517
Author:
Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:
OpenStax
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:
9781259398629
Author:
McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:
Mcgraw Hill Education,
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9780134580999
Author:
Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:
PEARSON
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:
9781947172517
Author:
Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:
OpenStax
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:
9781259398629
Author:
McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:
Mcgraw Hill Education,
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9780815344322
Author:
Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:
W. W. Norton & Company
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:
9781260159363
Author:
Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9781260231700
Author:
Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:
McGraw Hill Education