Scientists use radioactive hydrogen to make water. They grew plants using radioactive water. what happens to the radioactive hydrogen during photosynthesis?

Answer 1

During photosynthesis, plants absorb water through their roots, including any radioactive hydrogen present in the water. The radioactive hydrogen becomes incorporated into the plant's cellular molecules and compounds, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which are all important for the plant's growth and development. As the plant undergoes photosynthesis, it converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using energy from sunlight. Radioactive hydrogen atoms would be distributed among these synthesized molecules, potentially becoming part of glucose or other organic molecules produced during photosynthesis.