Chapter 19, Problem 31A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:A radiotracer has to be defined and the tracers that are used to study the conversion of nutrients into energy in living cells has to be given.

Concept introduction:Medical application of radioactivity includes the use of radiotracers. Radiotracers such as Iodine-131, Thallium-201, and Technetium-99 are useful in the diagnosing and treating illnesses in human body.

Answer to Problem 31A

A radiotracer is radioactive nuclide, which could be introduced into organism in food (or) drugs and can be consequently traced by monitoring their radioactivity.

Tracers that are used to study the conversion of nutrients into energy in living cells are Carbon-14 $\left(C\right)$ and Phosphorus-32 $\left(P\right)\text{.}$

Explanation of Solution

Medical application of radioactivity includes the use of radiotracers. Radiotracers such as Iodine-131, Thallium-201, Technetium-99 are useful in the diagnosing and treating illnesses in human body.

A tracer can be defined as a radioactive nuclei used in food and medicines. Tracers allow individuals to see the path the tracker goes through an organism based upon radiation levels. After a small amount of time, the tracer decays completely and is not dangerous.

Tracers such as Carbon-14 and Phosphorus-32 are used to study the conversion of nutrients into energy in living cells.

Conclusion

A radiotracer is radioactive nuclide, which could be introduced into organism in food (or) drugs and can be consequently traced by monitoring their radioactivity.Carbon-14 and Phosphorus-32 are the tracers that is used to study the conversion of nutrients into energy in living cells