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Chapter 21: Problem 50

Each molecule of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrier in blood, contains four Fe atoms. Explain how you would use the radioactive \({ }_{26}^{59} \mathrm{Fe}\left(t_{\frac{1}{2}}=46\right.\) days) to show that the iron in a certain food is converted into hemoglobin.

Short Answer

Expert verified
You can use \({ }_{26}^{59}\mathrm{Fe}\) by introducing it into the food. Once ingested, trace the isotope in the body using a radiation detector. Detecting this isotope in the hemoglobin shows that the iron in the food was converted into hemoglobin.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding radioactive isotopes

Radioactive isotopes, often referred as radioisotopes, are atoms with unstable nuclei that decay over time, emitting radiation. The rate at which this decay occurs is measured by a property called half-life, that is, the time it takes for half of a sample of a radioactive isotope to decay. Here, the isotope \({ }_{26}^{59}\mathrm{Fe}\) has a half-life of 46 days.
02

Introducing radioactive isotopes into food

Include the isotope \({ }_{26}^{59}\mathrm{Fe}\) into the food. This can be done by growing plants in a soil containing this isotope, or by using it in a form that can be mixed with food directly.
03

Tracing the radioactive isotopes

Once the food containing the isotope \({ }_{26}^{59}\mathrm{Fe}\) is ingested, we can then trace this isotope in the body to make sure whether this isotope ends up in the hemoglobin of the consumer. Use a radioactivity detector for this purpose.
04

Identifying the radioactive isotopes in Hemoglobin

By detecting \({ }_{26}^{59}\mathrm{Fe}\) in the blood, particularly in the hemoglobin, provides evidence that the iron from the food has been incorporated into the hemoglobin.
05

Interpretation of Results

The presence of the radioisotope in hemoglobin is solid evidence that the iron in food is converted into hemoglobin. However, the absence of the isotope doesn't necessarily imply that the conversion team doesn't take place, as it may simply be that the iron isn't being properly absorbed from the stomach, or it might be being used in other parts of the body.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Which of the following poses a greater health hazard: a radioactive isotope with a short half-life or a radioactive isotope with a long half-life? Explain. [Assume same type of radiation \((\alpha\) or \(\beta)\) and comparable energetics per particle emitted.

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