First steps in biotechnology. Первые шаги в биотехнологии

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In this unit you will …

Listen / watch, read and talk about

biofuels

enzymes

bioremediation

Learn how to …

plan instructions

give instructions

evaluate

Activate your knowledge.

Biotechnology is all around us and is already a big part of our lives, providing breakthrough technologies.

Can you give some examples of (white) industrial biotechnology products you get in touch in your daily routine?

PREPARING TO READ

1. Work in pairs. Read the following quotation and answer the questions.

Understand

the topic

Instead of destroying an area for a paltry amount of oil, we should be increasing fuel standards for automobiles and focusing our efforts on biofuels and other alternatives.

Raul Grijalva

1 What does the quote mean?

2 Do you agree with it? Why/Why not?

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Biodiesel is oil from plants or animals that has been used as an alternative to or blended with petroleum diesel in automobiles and industrial fleets with diesel engines. The leading exporter of biodiesel (soy) is Argentina who as of December 2013 filed a third WTO complaint against EU for putting steep import taxes on biodiesel, but is responding to demand elsewhere by increasing exports to the U.S. U.S. creates its own biodiesel as well- 1.1 billion gallons in 2012. Grease or oil from cooking can also be converted to biodiesel and is more sustainable because it is by-product of another process. Diesel engines can automatically run off blends with 20% or less biodiesel. Above 20% biodeisel or from vegetable oil from cooking requires adjustment. Local and regional recycling centers have made biodiesel more accessible, but there are limits to large scale processing for biodiesel from cooking oil and also virgin materials due to effect on food prices. Cheap natural gas and alternative fuel vehicles such as hybrids and electric cars also displace demand for biodiesel.

Biogas is created as by-product of decomposing plant and animal waste in environments with low levels of oxygen: landfills, waste treatment facilities, and dairies. Biogas is made up primarily of methane and carbon dioxide (greenhouse gases), thus incentives are strong to keep biogas from entering the atmosphere. Biogas can be captured and used for transportation, cooking, and electricity. It has actually been used for centuries. In developing countries, micro-scale or household projects spread in the 1970s with about 4 million biogas plants currently in India and 27 million in China. Large-scale commercial biogas projects are proving viable globally. Nordic countries such as Norway and Finland are on board with 1/3 of Oslo city buses powered by biogas from sewage. EU and UK have their fair share of plants as well. In San Jose, California the world’s largest plant which uses dry fermentation anaerobic digestion is soon to be up and running. When complete it will process 90,000 tons of organic waste each year. There are many other U.S. biogas plants such as Freshkills landfill in NYC which produces enough methane to power 30,000 homes a year and generated approximately $3 million to $5 million a year in revenue for the city. Biogas will play an increasing role in transition to low-carbon economy due to its ability to capture potent emissions, reduce waste, and create energy from a by-product of other activities.

Lauren DeMates (December 26, 2013). The Sustainability Co-Op in General & News. ©

5. Read the text again and compare biofuels using Venn diagram (Fig. 16).

Contrast

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3. Write the words in exercise 2 in the gaps to complete the sentences.

1 Enzymes __________ the process and after that task they release to do it again.

2 I am finding such ___________ which help me not having my washes twice. 3 The waste produced by enzymes is ____________.

4 I would like to have in our city more plants which could ________ different types of waste.

5 __________ in washing powders help save water and use less energy.

4.Work in pairs. Take turns to say which sentences in exercise 3 are true for you.

WHILE WATCHING

5. Watch the video on channel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRH81hfYXDY

What can you remember from the video? Write T (true) or F (false) for the sentences.

1 Since the beginning of life these tiny protein molecules have been essential and natural microscopic catalysts in chemical reactions. _____

2Enzymes stick to molecules and decrease reaction rates in plants, animals and microorganisms._____

3Industrial processes with the enzymes are done recourse and financial inefficient. _____

4 Naturally enzymes are biodegradable. _____

5 Integration of enzymes into the industrial world makes them environmentally friendly. _____

6 Enzymes do not replace synthetic chemicals. _____

7 Enzymes enhance the use of water, raw materials and energy. _____

6.Watch the video again. Check your answers. Change the false sentences so they are true.

DISCUSSION

7.Evaluate the application of industrial enzymes from an ecological and industrial perspective. Add your ideas to the diagram (Fig. 17).

Evaluate

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PREPARING TO LISTEN

1.You are going to hear some information. Work in pairs and explain the words and word expressions from the box to your partner. Refer to the dictionary if necessary.

2. Look at the photo (Fig. 19) and say in what way bioremediation is related

Fig. 19

WHILE LISTENING

3.Tick the things below that you think you will hear when you listen to the podcast.

1 information about ecological problems ____

2 facts about Greenpeace ____

3 information about people’s impact on nature ____

4 biotechnological environmental friendly methods ____

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