Biology/radioisotopes
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Question
Whta are three different radioisotopes and how can they be used in biology? please answer as soon as possible
Thanks for using Allexerpts. There are about 40 or so commercially available radioisotopes, and many of them have applications in biology and medicine. Three that come to mind are these:
Cobalt-60, which is used as a source for medical radiotherapy, medical radioimaging, and as a radioactive source for food and equipment sterilization.
Carbon-14, a natural radioisotope that accumulates in the tissue of all living animals while they are alive. It is used as the source for radiocarbon dating of biological material.
Phosphorous-32, which is used to tag nucleic acids and phosphoproteins for experiments in which these substances need to be identified. It is a standard method in biology to identify substances of interest by attaching them to a different substance whose characteristics are easily detected. Isotopes can be detected on the basis of their emitted radiation, so radioisotopes are often introduced into nucleic acids or proteins of interest. In a similar but distinct process, genes can be enhanced with DNA sequences that will produce fluorescent proteins in the finished product. Detection of the fluorescent protein then shows that the gene was read and expressed.
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Answers by Expert:
John Locke
Expertise
I will answer all biology-related questions through the undergraduate level. I will explain unclear concepts and suggest approaches to solving problems, but would prefer not to completely solve homework problems for you. If you are completely stumped on homework, tell me what you already know and I will help you as much as possible. Please do not ask me for ideas on school research projects; part of research is determining a suitable area of investigation, and that's not a task that should be completed by someone else. Please don't simply send me your homework for solutions. If you are having difficulty after you have started an analysis, I will be happy to direct your thinking; in particular, I would prefer to not simply solve pedigrees for students, but I will be happy to assist in solving pedigrees that you have already started. If you don't understand how to analyze a pedigree, I'd highly recommend watching this video, in which a biology professor explains the basic concepts of pedigree analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIHjsn5cHo
Experience
I have a BS in Bioengineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (which included a heavy focus on biology), and have taught biology, biochemistry, and related subjects for some time now.
Education/Credentials
BS Bioengineering, Penn State University
MCAT/DAT/OAT Instructor
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