Stable isotopes offer several advantages in metabolic research:
1. Non-radioactive: Unlike radioactive isotopes, stable isotopes do not pose health risks, making them safer for use in both in vitro and in vivo studies. 2. High Sensitivity: Advanced analytical techniques like mass spectrometry can detect even small changes in isotopic labeling, providing high sensitivity. 3. Quantitative: The data obtained from stable isotope tracing can be quantitative, allowing for precise measurement of metabolic fluxes. 4. Versatility: This technique can be applied to a wide range of biological systems, including cell cultures, animal models, and even human tissues.
