Question

A molecule into which a radioisotope has been incorporated can be used as a(n) ______. a. compound b. tracer c. salt d. acid

Short answer

The molecule with a radioisotope is used as a tracer (option b).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

We need to determine the role or application of a molecule that has a radioisotope incorporated into it. This involves knowing the function or purpose of such a molecule in scientific contexts.

Identifying the Definition of a Tracer

A tracer is a substance with a radioisotope that is used to track a chemical or biological process. When a radioisotope is incorporated into a molecule, the molecule can be used to trace or follow the path and interactions of the molecule in various environments.

Matching Options with Definitions

Given the options a. compound, b. tracer, c. salt, and d. acid, we evaluate which one fits the definition. A radioactively labeled molecule is not necessarily a different compound, salt, or acid due to the isotope, but it is specifically used as a tracer.

Conclusion

Following the understanding that a molecule with a radioisotope is specifically used to trace processes, the correct choice is 'tracer', option b.

Key concepts

Radioactive Isotopes

Radioactive isotopes, often referred to as radioisotopes, are variants of chemical elements that have an unstable nucleus and emit radiation during decay. They are unique because their atomic structure includes neutrons in excess, or sometimes a shortage, making them different from the stable atoms. These isotopes undergo radioactive decay, a process where they release energy and particles until they transform into a more stable form.

Radioisotopes are immensely valuable in scientific research and practical applications. They serve as powerful tools in medicine, industry, and environmental science. For example, in the medical field, radioisotopes are often used in treatments and diagnostics, such as in the imaging technique called Positron Emission Tomography (PET). In PET, isotopes are incorporated into compounds that engage with biological mechanisms to highlight areas of interest to doctors. This trackable property makes them essential in tracing biological pathways and diagnosing conditions.

Moreover, in nature and research, scientists employ radioisotopes to understand phenomena like age-dating geological samples or studying plant and animal metabolism by observing how these organisms utilize nutrients tagged with radioisotopes. Their ability to act as tracers helps illuminate intricate processes that would otherwise be difficult to follow.

Chemical Processes

Chemical processes can be intricately tracked using molecules labeled with radioisotopes. These processes involve transformations where molecules interact, bond, and convert into different compounds. With radioisotopes incorporated into these molecules, scientists can monitor these transformations efficiently.

Radioisotope tracers are particularly useful in chemical research to observe how chemicals react and move within a system. By labeling a key reactant with a radioisotope, researchers can trace its path, understanding not only where it goes but also the rate and extent of conversion to products.

In industrial applications, radioisotopes can help optimize chemical processes by ensuring efficiency in production lines that depend on precise chemical reactions. During a reaction in a chemical plant, any deviation from the expected pathway can be quickly identified due to the observable traits of radioisotopically labeled compounds. The detailed insights gained from observing these tagged compounds ensure that processes remain efficient, safe, and economical.

Biological Processes

Biological processes involve complex interactions within living organisms, and radioisotope tracers are a key tool in unraveling these mysteries. By integrating radioisotopes into molecules involved in biological pathways, such as glucose, scientists are able to track the movement and utilization of these molecules in real time.

For example, radioactively labeled glucose is often used to study metabolic pathways. Researchers can follow its conversion and absorption within cells to understand better how energy is produced and consumed. This insight is invaluable for studying metabolic disorders like diabetes, where glucose metabolism is impaired.

Additionally, radioactive tracers are employed to observe cellular processes such as DNA replication, protein synthesis, and enzyme activities. By incorporating radioisotopes into components of these pathways, scientists can see the inner workings of cells more clearly. This method allows for a deeper understanding of biological functions and how they are affected by diseases, drugs, or environmental changes, leading to improved medical and therapeutic strategies.