As you said, the isotope does not change the chemical properties, so either this compound does not enter whole cells at all (regardless of whether it is labeled or not), or your information that it doesn't enter whole cells is wrong. Why do you think this?hivesaeed4 said:Some radioactively labeled compounds (such as 32 P-labeled ATP) are not suitable for studies with whole cells because they do not enter cells. Why? The presence of a radioactive isotope does not change the chemical properties of a molecule.
Radioactively labeled compounds are chemical compounds that have been tagged with a radioactive isotope, typically for the purpose of tracking or measuring their behavior in a biological or chemical system.
Some radioactively labeled compounds may be unsuitable for certain experiments or applications due to their properties, such as their half-life, chemical stability, or affinity for certain molecules. It is important to carefully select the appropriate labeled compound for a specific experiment.
Radioactively labeled compounds can pose a risk to human health and the environment if not handled properly. Exposure to high levels of radioactivity can cause damage to cells and tissues, leading to health problems. It is important to follow proper safety protocols when handling these compounds.
Radioactively labeled compounds can be detected and measured using specialized equipment, such as a Geiger counter or a scintillation counter. These instruments can detect and measure the radioactive emissions from the labeled compounds, providing information about their behavior in the system.
Radioactively labeled compounds are commonly used in biological and chemical research, such as tracing metabolic pathways, studying protein interactions, and measuring the uptake and distribution of drugs in the body. They are also used in medical imaging techniques, such as PET scans, to diagnose and track diseases.