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Uses of Protons in Animal Tissue

Protons are located in the nucleus of every animal cell. There are many uses of protons in and on animal tissue. Sometimes protons are used as conductors through the membrane of a cellular organelle; this conduction action produces effects that aid in metabolism of waste products and of oxygen consumption. Sometimes protons are also used as components of medical technology.

  1. Radiation Oncology

    • Protons are often used in radiation therapy for certain types of cancer patients. Since their actions mimic those of X-rays, they can be used in radiation therapies to treat tumors that are located very close to the body's critical structures. This also makes high-energy protons appropriate for use in highly localized radiation treatments. These high-energy protons are often used to treat very specific kinds of cancers, such as melanoma of the eye, sarcoma at the base of the skull and chordomas. Protons can often be used to distribute larger doses of radiation therapy to cancer patients than they might otherwise receive.

    Proton Pumps

    • Researchers have found proton pump mechanisms in the membranes of lysosomes of animal cells. Lysosomes are organelles that break down waste products of the body and of the individual cell. According to Eric Holtzman, late chairman of Columbia University's biological science program, lysosomes acidify themselves as part of the waste disposal process; this acidification is catalyzed by a proton pump in the lysosome's membrane that translocates protons across that membrane. Researchers have found these proton pumps in kidney and liver cells of animals, in vacuoles of plant cells and in yeast and fungi cells.

    Mitochondrial Proton Leak

    • The mitochondria are another cellular organelle. Often referred to as "the powerhouse of the cell," it is the mitochondria that produce ATP; the substance that creates energy. Mitochondrial proton leak is an important part of the metabolic process in animals and may account for either a third or a quarter of the standard metabolism of smaller animals such as rats. The conduction of protons across the inner membrane of the mitochondria aids in oxygen consumption in the cell; all animal life depends on cells properly consuming oxygen.

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging

    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, scanners are used to see inside the human body; often, doctors are checking for tumors, blood clots or calcification of arteries when they use MRI machines. MRI machines often actually use protons to create the magnetic field that they need to see inside the human body. When exposed to an electrical current, protons give off a weak magnetic field. The spinning created by that exposure produces the brightness that allows the internal body image to be viewed.

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