Question

How are isotopes used in biological research?

Answer 1

Radioactive isotopes are defined as those that emit radiations of alpha, beta and gamma rays. The radioisotope, for instance technetium-99m is inhaled into the body which then circulates within the whole body or is taken up only by certain tissues. Its distribution can be observed according to the radiation it gives off.

Complete answer:
Isotopes are defined as the substances in which the atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons present in its atom. The atomic mass of an element is defined as equal to the sum of the number of protons and the number of neutrons in its atom.
Isotopes are termed as different versions of the same element that show the presence of the same atomic number but different atomic mass.
Isotopes of the same element possess a varying different number of neutrons and the same number of protons.

There are two main kinds of isotopes namely:
1)Radioactive Isotopes
2)Unstable combinations of protons and neutrons usually occur in radioactive isotopes. Thereby, these isotopes decay and emit radiations that constitute alpha, beta and gamma rays.

Stable Isotopes
Stable isotopes show presence of stable proton-neutron combination. Hence, they do not provide any chance of decay. -This stability originates from the number of neutrons present in an atom. Since stable isotopes do not decay, they do not generate radiation or its associated health risks.

Uses of isotopes:
1)An isotope of uranium plays a major role as a fuel in nuclear reactors.
2)In the treatment of cancer, an isotope of Cobalt especially plays a major role.
3)In the field of medicine, an isotope of iodine is taken in work to the whole-body Scan.
4)Stable isotopes of elements such as oxygen, hydrogen, sulphur, nitrogen and carbon are essential in performing environmental and ecological experiments.
5)Radioactive isotopes play a major role in Food irradiation. Food irradiation is termed as the process of exposing food to a controlled level of gamma rays which kills many types of bacteria and makes food safer to eat.

Note: Isobars are termed as the atoms of different elements that have different atomic numbers but same atomic mass. Isotopes possess the same chemical properties whereas isobars possess different chemical properties. Isotopes are present at the same place in the periodic table whereas isobars are present at different places in the periodic table.