How are isotopes used in Biology?

Answer 1

Studies of metabolism, drug utilization, and other reactions in living organisms can be done with stable isotopes such as 13C, 15N, 18O, and 2H. Molecular compounds are "spiked" with these isotopes, and the metabolizedhttp://www.answers.com/topic/metabolize products are analyzed by using a mass spectrometer http://www.answers.com/topic/spectrometerto measure the altered isotopic ratios. Also, isotopes that are unstable will emit radiation, which can be alpha particles , beta particles or gamma radiation. The radiation can be used to treat cancer in the case of cobalt-60, which emits gamma radiation. Cancerous cell are destroyed by directing a controlled beam of gamma radiation at the cells.

Answer 2

The use of radioactive isotopes (radioisotopes) is important in nuclear medicine, which is a medical specialty involving the application of radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Answer 3

Isotopes are used in Biology for techniques such as radiometric dating to determine the age of fossils and archaeological artifacts. They can also be used as tracers to track biological processes, such as metabolic pathways and nutrient cycling, by labeling molecules with specific isotopes and then following their movement through an organism or ecosystem. Additionally, isotopes are used in medical imaging, like PET scans, to visualize and diagnose diseases.