This proposal involves a request to purchase the Fuji Bio-Imaging Analyzer (Phosphorimager), a new device for the detection and quantitation of radioactivity used in a variety of biochemical experiments. The quantitative capabilities of this instrument will allow biochemical experiments not currently possible. The primary advantages of this technology over conventional autoradiography using x-ray film are an increased linear response, dynamic range, and sensitivity, as well as reduced exposure time. The instrument provides quantitative data from experiments involving the use of this radioisotopes such as 32P, 35S, 14C, and 125I. An instrument of this type is not currently available at the Whitehead Institute. The quantitation of radioactive samples will be carried out by the user groups in a variety of biochemical and molecular biology experiment detailed in Section 8. The technology involves the use of storage phosphor screens which store energy form sample beta particle emission. This emission is detected by the instrument and stored on a computer hard disk. The data can then be accessed and analyzed using a software package provided with the instrument. A number of quantitative biochemical experiments not currently possible will be feasible because the Phosphorimager is vastly superior to X-ray film autoradiography.
