Question

Autoradiography technique was used to
A. trace the path of carbon in photosynthesis
B. establish that the oxygen evolved during photosynthesis is by photolysis of water molecules.
C. study photorespiration in certain plants.
D. find out the absorption maximum of chlorophyll pigments.

Answer 1

This technique used to determine the tissue or cell localization of radioactive substances into it . Distribution of the isotopes in different objects and organs studied by X-ray films.

Complete answer: Autoradiography was discovered first by Niepce de Saint in 1867 and has been widely used in various fields of biology science, essentially from the 1950s. It is a technique that uses X-ray film to visualize molecules or fragments of molecules that have been radioactively labeled .Autoradiography is based upon the ability of radioactive substances to expose the photographic film by ionizing it. In this autoradiographic technique the radioactive substance is put in direct contact with a thick layer of photographic film. This emulsion has gelatin substances and silver halide crystals This technique records the distribution of radioactive material in histological and biological specimens are placed in contact with photographic emulsion.This technique records the activity of organic compounds of radioactive isotopes introduced into the plants or animals .Autoradiography applied to the study of metabolism of plants and animals
Histologists discovered the unsuspected mobility of various molecules and cells .It allows cell biologists to monitor kinetics of DNA synthesis in cells . Autoradiography used it to trace the path of carbon in photosynthesis In Calvin cycle the path of carbon dioxide fixation during photosynthesis can be easing traced with this technique.
So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note: Autoradiography methods in vitro involves the isolation of cellular components such as DNA,RNA proteins or lipids with suitable radioisotopes