Biology 12th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0078024269
ISBN 13: 978-0-07802-426-9

Chapter 2 - Basic Chemistry - Engage - Thinking Scientifically - Page 34: 2

Answer

Isotopes are variants of chemical element which differ in neutron number. Carbon isotopes act as chemical element even in their radioactive state. Chemical behavior of a radioactive carbon isotope is essentially the same as that of the stable isotope because they have the same number of protons, so it is still carbon.

Work Step by Step

Melvin Calvin used a radioactive form of carbon called carbon-14 to trace the path that carbon took through the algae's chloroplast, the part of the cell where photosynthesis occurs. With this method, he discovered the steps plants use to make sugar out of carbon dioxide (photosynthesis). When you have the addition of a small quanity of radioactive isotope, it becomes a tracer, which traces molecular changes.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.