Science Homework Help

Week 5 – Biotechnology harnesses cellular and biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet. We have used the biological processes of microorganisms for more than 6,000 years to make useful food products, such as bread and cheese, and to preserve dairy products.

According to the Biotechnology Industry Organization, “Modern biotechnology provides breakthrough products and technologies to combat debilitating and rare diseases, reduce our environmental footprint, feed the hungry, use less and cleaner energy, and have safer, cleaner and more efficient industrial manufacturing processes.” As such, biotechnology can be used to:

a. Heal the World – healthcare

b. Fuel the World – industrial and environmental

c. Feed the World – food and agriculture

For this discussion, please respond to the following questions:

1. Which area of biotechnology (feed the world, fuel the world, heal the world) do you believe is the most important for society today? Explain your choice.

2. Identify and research a specific application of biotechnology from within the category you picked in number 1.

a. Describe in detail its use

b. Describe its impact on society.

3. Cite all references

Week 6 – The living organisms that exist upon the earth exhibit a wide array of physical, chemical, and behavioral variation. Each feature of an organism is an adaptation acquired by that species through evolution, which uniquely suits an organism to survival within a given set of environmental conditions.

Find an example of the weirdest, wildest, most bizarre or interesting species you can. Discuss those features that uniquely suit this organism to survival within a given set of environmental conditions. When considering the features of an organism, include its observable physical characteristics (which can be seen by the naked eye), as well as the molecular, metabolic, or chemical characteristics of the organism that can occur at the level of (or within) cells. You can draw examples from the textbook or search the Web for the organism of your choice. If you can find it on the web, include a link to a picture or description of your organism. Also include links/references if appropriate.