Isotopes in Biology

PrefaceIntroduction 1. What are Isotopic Tracers and Why Use Them? 2. Historical References General ReferencesI. Some Physics and Chemistry 1. The Structure of Matter; Isotopes 2. Radioactivity 3. Energy of Radiation 4. Decay of Radioactivity 5. Production of Isotopes 6. Measurement of Radioactivity and of Stable Isotope Concentration 7. Synthesis of Radioactive Compounds 8. Preparation of Tritium-Labeled Compounds 9. Preparative Biosynthesis 10. Radiation Decomposition ReferencesII. Units of Radioactivity and of Stable Isotopes 1. Units of Radioactivity; Parameters 2. Specific Radioactivity 3. Specific Activity per Mole 4. Specific Activity per Atom of Carbon 5. Units of Stable Isotopes ReferencesIII. Health Hazards and Isotope Laboratory Design 1. Health Hazards 2. Radiation Protection 3. Waste Disposal 4. Spills 5. The Isotope Laboratory ReferencesIV. Principles and Conditions for the Use of Isotopes in Biology Section I. Identical Chemical and Biochemical Behavior of Isotopic Compounds A. Cases of Nonidentical Chemical Behavior B. Cases of Nonidentical Biological Behavior Section II. Constant Natural Abundance 1. Radiocarbon Dating Section III. Chemical Stability of Isotopic Compounds 1. Calcium Absorption; The Intestinal Loop ReferencesV. Methods Section I. The Isotope Dilution Method A. The Isotope Dilution Method in the Isolation, Purification, and Characterization of Unknown Compounds B. Isotope Dilution as a Means for Studying The Synthesis of Knoton Compounds C. Isotope Dilution as An Analytical Tool Section II. Paper Chromatography and Autoradiography 1. Radioactive Compounds Separated by Paper Chromatography 2. Tissue Autoradiography 3. Cell Autoradiography 4. Chromosome Autoradiography ReferencesVI. Application of the Isotope Technique Section I. Gross Distribution Studies 1. Geographical Distribution 2. Translocation 3. Drug Distribution 4. Whole-Body Radiography 5. "Volume" and "Space" Determinations 6. Radiocardiology 7. Organ and Cell Distribution Section II. Molecular Distribution Studies A. Metabolic Pathways; Biosynthesis and Breakdown B. Protein Synthesis and the Transfer of Genetic Information Section III. Rates of Reactions in Living Organisms 1. The Dynamic State of Body Constituents 2. Hemoglobin Turnover 3. Turnover; Theoretical Considerations 4. Definitions 5. Turnover Experiments; Examples 6. Turnover Experiments by Continuous Infusion 7. Precursor-Product Relationships 8. Alternative Metabolic Pathways ReferencesIndex