Biochemist -- Is isotope ratio unique for each trophic level?

[ORF]

Hello

As far as I know, the reaction velocity depends on the isotope ("kinetic isotope effect").

So, is the isotope ratio (for example, for Nitrogen or Carbon isotopes) dependent on the trophic level?

Thank you for your time.

Regards,
Alvaro.

 

[jim mcnamara]

So, are you asking if (for example) ¹⁴C changes in abundance from primary producer to top of the food chain?
If this is your question the answer is yes.

Here is a discussion: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isotope_analysis
which indicates that isotope ratios can be used in part to determine trophic level. The one weeny is that some producer organisms live long enough to allow ¹⁴C to decay - the reason for the 'in part' qualifier.

Bristlecone pine for example, lives ±12000 years. ¹⁴C is sequestered more or less permanently in the xylem. ‎5,730 ± 40 years is the half life of ¹⁴C.

Good question..

 

[ORF]

Hello

Wonderful, thank you!

Good answer ;)

Regards.