Autoradiography

A technique using X- ray film to visualize molecules or fragments of molecules that have been radioactively labeled. Autoradiography has many applications in the laboratory. Autoradiography can, for example, be used to analyze the length and number of DNA fragments after they are separated from one another by a method called gel electrophoresis.

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The process of producing an autoradiograph. SYN: radioautography.

- paper a. a. in which compounds are separated by paper chromatography.

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au·to·ra·di·og·ra·phy -.rād-ē-'äg-rə-fē n, pl -phies the process of making autoradiographs

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(radioautography)

n.

a technique for examining the distribution of a radioactive tracer in the tissues of an experimental animal. The tracer is injected into the animal, which is killed after a certain period. Thin sections of its organs are placed in close contact with a radiation-sensitive material, such as a photographic emulsion, and observed under a microscope. Blackening of the film indicates a high concentration of radioactive material.

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au·to·ra·di·og·ra·phy (aw″to-ra″de-ogґrə-fe) the making of a radiograph by introducing a radioactive tracer into a specimen and recording the radiation distribution on a photographic film or emulsion placed on or close to the specimen.