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Radioisotopes are radioactive isotopes of elements. For example, most carbon atoms have a molecular weight of 12. Some have two extra neutrons, bringing their molecular weight up to 14 and making them unstable. This instability causes these atoms to be radioactive. Therefore, carbon 14 is described as a radioisotope of carbon.

Biologists use radioisotopes to trace specific substances as they pass through, and are processed by, the body. Radioisotopes can be attached to almost any compound, they are easy to detect, and the levels of radiation produced are low enough that many are safe for use within living organisms. Certain radioisotopes concentrate in specific parts of the body, making them useful for nuclear imaging studies of those organs.

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A radioisotope used to find or track molecules in an organism?

A commonly used radioisotope for tracing molecules in organisms is Carbon-14 (C-14). It is a radioactive isotope of carbon that can replace normal carbon in molecules like glucose or amino acids, allowing researchers to track their movement and interactions in biological systems. The decay of C-14 emits radiation that can be detected to monitor the pathway of the labeled molecules.


Which nuclide is a radioisotope used in the study of organic reaction mechanisms?

Carbon-14 is a common radioisotope used in the study of organic reaction mechanisms. It is used to trace the path of carbon atoms in molecules, allowing chemists to understand how reactions occur and molecules are transformed.


A radioisotope is called a tracer when it is used to?

Determine the way in which a chemical reaction occurs!


What are the function of proteins in organism's?

Proteins have several functions in an organism. They are used to transport molecules and store molecules, they are used in movement, and they are needed for mechanical support.


Why can a radioisotope be used as a tracer in the human body?

A radioisotope can be used as a tracer in the human body because tracers are used in the imaging the body's organs and tissues.


Which radioisotope is used heavily in nuclear medicine NAME THEM?

Which of the


What radioisotope is used to detect changes in bodily functions?

Tracer


What radioisotope is used to detect cancer cells?

Tc-99


What are molecules used for?

You can find molecules on every surface of the world because molecules are the smallest particle of a substance.


What is the radioisotope that is used to treat cancer as well as to preserve food?

Gamma


How many atoms are in an organic molecule?

essential components of many organic molecules;used in metabolismby many organism


How does 90 percent of the energy that enters an organism get used?

Around 90% of the energy that enters an organism is typically used for metabolic processes like growth, maintenance of body functions, and reproduction. This energy is converted into various molecules that the organism needs for its physiological processes.