Question

question 3 of 10
33p is a radioactive isotope of phosphorus. can 33p be used to make a radioactive nucleotide?
a. no, because it is chemically different from other isotopes of phosphorus.
b. yes, because it can replace the phosphorus atom in the phosphate group.
c. no, because an isotope is a different form of an element.
d. yes, because all isotopes of an element give off radiation.

Explanation:

Isotopes have the same chemical properties as the element they are an isotope of. Phosphorus is a key component of the phosphate group in nucleotides. Since \(^{33}\text{P}\) is an isotope of phosphorus, it can chemically replace the normal phosphorus (\(^{31}\text{P}\)) in the phosphate group of a nucleotide. Option A is wrong because isotopes of an element have the same chemical properties. Option C is incorrect as the ability to be part of a nucleotide is based on chemical properties (not just being an isotope). Option D is false because not all isotopes of an element are radioactive (e.g., \(^{31}\text{P}\) is the stable isotope of phosphorus).

Answer:

B. Yes, because it can replace the phosphorus atom in the phosphate group.