[4-13C]-Uracil

[4-13C]-Uracil is a stable isotopic labeled compound that is used in many biochemical research studies involving nucleic acids. It is a derivative of the pyrimidine base uracil, which is present in RNA and DNA molecules. This isotopic labeled compound is created by replacing the carbon atom at the 4th position in the uracil molecule with a carbon-13 isotope. This substitution does not alter the chemical properties of the molecule but allows for easy detection and tracking of the labeled uracil during biochemical experiments. The primary use of [4-13C]-Uracil is in the study of nucleic acid turnover rates, which is the process by which RNA and DNA molecules are broken down and replaced with new ones. This process is essential for maintaining the proper functioning of cells and organs in living organisms. Researchers use this isotopic labeled compound to track the rate of nucleic acid turnover in various tissues and cells in the body. Chemically, [4-13C]-Uracil is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and ethanol. It has a molecular weight of 128.09 g/mol and a melting point of 335-338°C. This isotopic labeled compound is stable under normal storage conditions and has a shelf life of several years. It is important to handle this compound with care as it is radioactive due to the carbon-13 isotope.