Radiotracer Encyclopedia Article

Radiotracer

The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.

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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.

The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.

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Radiotracer

A radioactive isotope progressing through a biological or physical system can be followed by several tracking procedures. For example, fertilizer containing radioactive phosphorus can be added to soil. Plants grown in this soil then take up the radioactive phosphorus just as they do non-radioactive phosphorus. If one of these plants is placed on a photographic plate, radiation from the radioactive phosphorus exposes the plate. The plant "takes its own picture," showing where the phosphorus concentrates in the plant. Radiotracers are a highly desirable research technique as they do not require the destruction of an organism for its study.