RADIOLABELED Meaning and
Definition
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Radiolabeled is an adjective that refers to the process of adding a radioactive substance, known as a radioisotope, to a molecule or compound for the purpose of tracking its movement or studying its behavior. The term is commonly used in the field of molecular biology, pharmacology, and medical imaging.
When a compound is radiolabeled, it means that a specific atom or atoms within it have been substituted with a radioactive atom. This radioactive atom emits radiation, such as gamma rays or positrons, which can be detected and measured using specialized instruments. By attaching a radioactive label to a molecule, scientists can follow its path within a living organism, study its interactions with other molecules, or track its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in a drug or pharmaceutical compound.
Radiolabeling is often utilized in research studies, drug development, and diagnostic techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans. In PET scans, radiolabeled compounds are injected into a patient's body to help visualize and detect specific structures or abnormalities. Radiolabeled substances allow for precise and quantitative measurements, offering valuable insight into biological processes, drug efficacy, and disease progression.
Overall, radiolabeled refers to a molecule or compound that has been modified to include a radioactive atom, enabling researchers and clinicians to monitor and investigate its behavior and effects in various biological systems.
Etymology of RADIOLABELED
The word "radiolabeled" can be broken down into two parts: "radio-" and "labeled".
The prefix "radio-" is derived from the Latin word "radius", meaning "ray" or "radiation". It has been used in English since the early 20th century to refer to things associated with radiation or radio waves.
The term "labeled" comes from the Old French word "label", which means a small piece of cloth or ribbon used to identify or mark something. It has been used in English since the 14th century, initially to refer to distinctive marks or tags attached to objects.
When combined, "radiolabeled" describes something that has been marked or tagged with a radioactive substance, typically used in scientific and medical research to trace or track molecules or substances.
