Biodegradable Plastic
Lacie Grindstaff
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is a broad discipline in which biological processes, organisms, cells or cellular components are exploited to develop new technologies. The world has been affected by biotechnology and uses things from biotechnology often and maybe daily.
What is Biodegradable Plastic?
It is manufactures plastics that come from non-renewable hydrocarbon resources. Biodegradable plastics can be made by using plant polymers from wheat, corn or potatoes, and consist of shorter, more easily degraded polymers.
Why is Biodegradable Plastics good for the environment?
Biodegradable plastics are more water soluble, many current products that contain them are a mixture of biodegradable and non-degradable polymers. Certain types of bacteria can produce granules of plastic within their cells. The enzymes involved have been cloned into plants which can produce the granules in their leaves. The cost of plant-based plastics limits their use, and they have not met with widespread consumer acceptance.
What are some of the tools of biotechnology?
The basic process of recombinant DNA technology revolves around the activity of DNA in the synthesis of protein. By intervening in this process, scientists can change the nature of the DNA and of the gene make-up of an organism. By inserting genes into the genome of an organism, the scientist can induce the organism to produce a protein it does not normally produce. (citation 3)
What is a type of Biodegradable Plastic?
Spudware is one type of biodegradable plastic. It looks the same as traditional flatware. The spudware is compostable and is made from potato starch.
What are the downsides of using Biodegradable Plastics?
- It takes longer to compose in the land fields because they lack aeration.
- It is also more expensive.
- It is not recyclable.