Question

How are isotopes used in biological research?

Answer 1

Isotopes are used as tracking devices, image enhancers, and age determinations.

Explanation:

Elemental isotopes differ in mass and sometimes in radioactivity. Both properties can be used in biological research (and medical treatments). Differences in mass or radioactivity can be used to see where specific elements react with other compounds. This is essential to understanding things like cellular transport, enzyme activity, protein structures, and disease mechanisms.
In some cases the natural abundance of isotopes and relative radioactivity can be used to determine the approximate age of organic materials.