Introduction:
During this unit, we attempted to solve a real problem using bio technology. We decided to go with Ocean Pollution and genetically modified algae to be able to break down and digest plastic. We hope to combat ocean pollution through this solution by introducing the species and in a marine environment near garbage island, which is a plastic and trash composed landmass that is twice the size of Texas. Through this modification we will hopefully be able to make a change in the amount of plastic in the oceans.
Concepts:
Ocean Pollution:harmful effects resulting from the entry into the ocean of chemicals, particles, industrial, agricultural and residential waste, noise, or the spread of invasive organisms.
Pollutants: a substance that contaminates something, especially water or the atmosphere.
Garabage island: a landmass in the pacific ocean, twice the size of texas, composed completely out of plastic and trash.
PE: Polyethylene: a tough, light, flexible synthetic material typically used for plastic bags, food containers, and other packaging.
PET: Polyethylene terephthalate: a synthetic material with a polyester backbone.
FTIR: a technique used to measure the absorbency or emission of a solid in reciprocal centimenters.
Gene Gun: used to transfect cells with foreign DNA by bombarding the target cells with DNA-coated microparticles.
Homogenate: extracted tissue of an organism
bacillus sp. YP1 and enterobacter asburiae YT1: The two strains that side in plastic breakdown and digestion found in the gut or saliva of plastic eating microorganisms.
Invasive Species: non-native species that do not naturally occur in an environment
Conclusion:
Throughout this project I learned a lot about not only science and bio technology, but about many world problems and attempted solutions. One thing I did well in this project was time management. Although my group had some trouble focusing, we were able to make up for that by finishing work outside of school. One example of this was when we created a poster at a group members house to make a visual representation of our data. Another thing I did well was communication. My group and I were friends so we were able to talk outside of school, bounce ideas off of each other comfortably, and create a fun and judgement free work environment. However we did have some issues. One problem we had was focus. We struggled to stay on task sometimes, but as I said before, we met up to complete the work that we needed to do outside of school hours. Another issue I had was leadership. Although I have gotten significantly better I still need to be comfortable backing up my ideas. During this project I spoke my ideas, but did not defend them well. However, I did learn that leadership is not only taking control, but learning when to back off and let others lead. Overall, this was an educational project and help me learn a lot about Ocean pollution and genetic engineering.
During this unit, we attempted to solve a real problem using bio technology. We decided to go with Ocean Pollution and genetically modified algae to be able to break down and digest plastic. We hope to combat ocean pollution through this solution by introducing the species and in a marine environment near garbage island, which is a plastic and trash composed landmass that is twice the size of Texas. Through this modification we will hopefully be able to make a change in the amount of plastic in the oceans.
Concepts:
Ocean Pollution:harmful effects resulting from the entry into the ocean of chemicals, particles, industrial, agricultural and residential waste, noise, or the spread of invasive organisms.
Pollutants: a substance that contaminates something, especially water or the atmosphere.
Garabage island: a landmass in the pacific ocean, twice the size of texas, composed completely out of plastic and trash.
PE: Polyethylene: a tough, light, flexible synthetic material typically used for plastic bags, food containers, and other packaging.
PET: Polyethylene terephthalate: a synthetic material with a polyester backbone.
FTIR: a technique used to measure the absorbency or emission of a solid in reciprocal centimenters.
Gene Gun: used to transfect cells with foreign DNA by bombarding the target cells with DNA-coated microparticles.
Homogenate: extracted tissue of an organism
bacillus sp. YP1 and enterobacter asburiae YT1: The two strains that side in plastic breakdown and digestion found in the gut or saliva of plastic eating microorganisms.
Invasive Species: non-native species that do not naturally occur in an environment
Conclusion:
Throughout this project I learned a lot about not only science and bio technology, but about many world problems and attempted solutions. One thing I did well in this project was time management. Although my group had some trouble focusing, we were able to make up for that by finishing work outside of school. One example of this was when we created a poster at a group members house to make a visual representation of our data. Another thing I did well was communication. My group and I were friends so we were able to talk outside of school, bounce ideas off of each other comfortably, and create a fun and judgement free work environment. However we did have some issues. One problem we had was focus. We struggled to stay on task sometimes, but as I said before, we met up to complete the work that we needed to do outside of school hours. Another issue I had was leadership. Although I have gotten significantly better I still need to be comfortable backing up my ideas. During this project I spoke my ideas, but did not defend them well. However, I did learn that leadership is not only taking control, but learning when to back off and let others lead. Overall, this was an educational project and help me learn a lot about Ocean pollution and genetic engineering.