Provides an introduction to the use of radioactivity in the bioscience laboratory. The text covers general aspects of radioactivity, methods for the detection of radioactivity, radioisotope protocols used to study key cellular processes, and a summary of legislative requirements in the US and European Union. Guidance on safe handling and detailed recipes are provided.

Research in the field of molecular biology has progressed at a fascinating rate in recent years. Much of this progress results from the development of new laboratory techniques that allow very precise fractionation and analysis of nucleic acids and proteins, as well as the construction of recom binant DNA molecules that can then be cloned and expressed in host cells. Progress has been so rapid that there has been a shortfall in the training of appropriately qualified staff. Many existing laboratory workers require retraining, and many educational institutions have had difficulty incor...