What protperty of isotopes makes them useful in unraveling biological pathways such as photosynthesis?

Question

1. They have different numbers of electrons than other atoms of the same element.


2. They have different numbers of protons than other atoms of the same element.


3. They have different numbers of neutrons than other atoms of the same element.


4. They have different reactivities than other atoms of the same element.

Answer 1

Err.... 3 is probably the answer that is expected. However 4 is also true to some extent particularly if D is substituted for H as the zeropoint vibrational energy of the C-H and C-D bonds are different bond hence its reactivity will change.

Answer 2

Right 3 is best

But the best anwer is not even up there. That being isotopes have similar chemical properties yet can easily be detected by properties like radioactivity.