14glucose

14glucose refers to glucose molecules in which one or more carbon atoms are replaced with the radioactive isotope carbon-14 (14C). It is not a distinct chemical compound but a radiolabeled form of D-glucose used primarily as a tracer in biochemical and medical research. The labeling enables tracking of glucose molecules as they participate in cellular processes, allowing researchers to measure metabolic flux, uptake, and oxidation.

Labeling is achieved by incorporating 14C into glucose during synthesis. This can be done by growing organisms on 14C-labeled carbon sources or by chemical or enzymatic synthesis using 14C-labeled precursors. The position of the 14C label (for example at C-1 or C-6) can influence the downstream fate of the labeled carbon, which is relevant for specific experiments.

In applications, 14C-glucose is used to study glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and overall glucose oxidation. It supports measurements such as release of 14CO2, incorporation into lipids or nucleotides, and tracking of glucose-derived carbon into various metabolites. Detection methods include liquid scintillation counting, autoradiography, or radiometric assays, depending on the experimental design.

Safety and regulation: 14C-glucose emits beta particles and requires appropriate radiological handling, shielding, and disposal in accordance with institutional and governmental rules. Experiments are typically conducted in facilities equipped for radiochemical work, with approved protocols and monitoring.

Note: 14C-glucose is different from non-radioactive isotopologues such as 13C-glucose used in metabolic flux analysis, and from radiopharmaceuticals like fluorodeoxyglucose used in PET imaging.