The use of isotopes in chemical research allows scientists to trace the path of specific molecules in active processes and living organisms. Both radioactive and nonradioactive isotopes may be used as tracers. This experiment focuses on the process of photosynthesis and is set up to trace the pathway of the oxygen that enters the plant in the form of water. A water solution enriched with a radioactive isotope (15O or 19O) is injected into the roots. The radioactive molecules interact just as normal oxygen molecules, but a radiation counter will be able to record their path. This will tell the scientists how much of the oxygen (O2) produced by the plant in photosynthesis came from water.
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