Radiolabeling
- Pronunciation
- /ra-dee-oh-LABEL-ing/
- Category
- Technique
- Plural
- Radiolabelings
Definition
The process of incorporating radioisotopes into molecules or organisms to track their movement, metabolism, and interactions.
Etymology
From Latin 'radio-', meaning 'relating to radiation', and 'labeling', meaning 'marking'.
Example
Radiolabeling experiments are sometimes used in entomology to study insect physiology, although this technique is more commonly associated with other fields of biology.
Related Terms
- Radioisotopes
- Tracer
- Metabolic studies
Usage Notes
The choice of radioisotope depends on the specific application and its half-life. Common isotopes include C-14, P-32, and H-3.