How stuff work Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

How stuff work - Research Paper Example This invention came into the limelight immediately because it was the key in solving one of the biggest environmental challenges-Oil spills and was concept of bioremediation since no harmful chemicals or other products were employed. Oil spills always have a catastrophic effect on the marine ecosystem as well as those who depend on the marine ecosystem .such as birds, fishing industry and tourism industry. The toxic oil stuck to the bird’s feathers prohibiting them from flying and has serious effects on the marine life as well. Until the invention of these microbes the cost of cleaning up the oil was extremely high. Using techniques such as dispersants or mechanical skimming cost almost $7,350 per metric ton of oil. Often oil was spilled in the middle of the ocean where logistics posed a great problem and in most cases only a mere 20% of the oil spilled could be cleaned up. However the invention of these oil-eating microbes have been a boon to mankind since these microbes make the cleaning up process practical, rapid and environment friendly. Production of Oil eating Bacteria Oil especially crude oil is composed of hydrocarbons. Many bacteria and fungi have the natural capability of breaking down oil into carbon dioxide and water however none of the naturally occurring bacteria could degrade all the components. While working with microbes he recognized the fact that microbial metabolism could be used for the process of bioremediation. Recombinant DNA technology also known as RDT is the technology used by biotechnologists and genetic engineers to transfer DNA or genetic material from one cell to another with the help of vectors or carrying bodies such as plasmids. Certain bacterial strains already bore the gene which encodes for specialized enzymes. These specialized enzymes have the capability of degrading oil, nullifying their toxicity and turning them into harmless products. Using recombinant DNA technology, Professor isolated the genes from these micr obes and integrated them into the vector plasmid DNA machinery. These plasmids were then integrated into strains of Pseudomonas bacteria. These genetically engineered bacteria were now made capable of producing enzymes on their own which could degrade oil and render them harmless. Working principle The entire working principle of the oil degrading microbes is based on the study of enzymes. The enzymes help the bacteria in obtaining their carbon from the oils. Once these microbes are put into the water containing oil, their only source of carbon is the oil on the water surface. The bacteria which can produce oil-degrading enzymes start production and utilizes the degraded oil as its energy resource. Hydrocarbon degrading enzymes such as alkane hydroxylase, catechol dioxygense are some of the enzymes that are encoded by the genes of some naturally occurring oil0degrading bacteria and which have been genetically transferred into Pseudomonas strain enabling the latter to break down a wi de variety of oil components (Peixoto et al,2011, p.2). The bacteria proliferates at the site of oil spill since large quantities of carbon resource is available. Problems

American society and its laws Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

American society and its laws - Case Study Example That power can mean those with money and influence in high places who have access to those who formulate the laws and rules [governmental bodies] they see as being in their favor. Or, it can mean a group that does not necessarily have financial power, but power nonetheless in sufficient numbers to influence those who make laws and rules. This type of influence can be seen in lobby groups whose power may lie in their association with a powerful entity, or, the influence may lie with a group large enough to have a negative effect on, say, a politician’s reelection goals if the politician does not promote the law they see as beneficial to their cause. At times those in power seek to create laws and rules that benefit the less powerful, but the act of getting the law or rule passed is still a function of their power. In general, laws are made to maintain order within the culture as perceived at times by special interests and at times by the wider group. Both can be discriminatory and/or can attempt to alleviate discrimination, depending upon the law, who it affects, and whether or not it singles out certain groups and inhibits or restricts their life and behavior. Unfortunately, â€Å"Racism, sexism, heterosexism and class privilege...[when it comes to law and rule making] create a system of advantage and disadvantage that enhances the life chances of some while limiting the life chances of others† (Rothenberg 117). This system has been in place since the beginning and is typified by Thomas Jefferson’s advocacy of a white yeoman class of small farmers who, as property owners, had a vested interested in preserving law and a role in administering it at the expense of poor whites destined to remain the downtrodden labor force. (Rothenberg, from Buck, Contructing Race and Creating White Privilege 35) Alarmingly not much has changed since that time. According to Pharr, the U.S. continues to promote a