MadSci Network: Biochemistry
Query:

Subject: When an organism dies, are there more C12 or C13 deposits left over?

Date: Wed Feb 19 17:08:30 2014
Posted by Rachel
Grade level: undergrad School: CCNY
City: New York State/Province: NY Country: USA
Area of science: Biochemistry
ID: 1392854910.Bc
Message:

Hello! I know that certain enzymes in living organisms "prefer" C12 because of its lighter mass.  Using this 
logic, I dexided that when an organism dies, more C13 is left over since the body reacts with C12 faster.  

However, my tutor said otherwise (with uncertainty) and my teacher just re-explained that c12 reacts 
quicker w/o answering my question. So, when an organism dies, is more c12 or c13 left over? Thanks!



Re: When an organism dies, are there more C12 or C13 deposits left over?

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