Let’s Talk Trash! MAR/ APR 2021
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Definitions From page 20
Mutant enzyme breaks down plastic. by Bailey Gower, CCHS 2019
away at plastic. After further scientific studies by other countries, and by accident, it was discovered that the structure of an enzyme found in this bacteria was altered into a mutant enzyme that could break down plastic within a few days . These scientists are highly optimistic about this discovery. Think about it for a moment fellow readers, this could be the bacteria that could help lessen trash in landfills and limit animal endangerment by waste. This finding is a big deal! Currently, scientists are working on ways to shorten how long it takes this enzyme to break down plastic. The best thing about this discovery is that it does not require the use of petroleum. Bacteria is organic matter and with its use for plastic trash elimination, it would help the environment by reducing the danger it brings not only to plants but to animals and people as well. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-accidentally- create-mutant-enzyme-can-break-down-plastic-180968881/ What do enzymes do? Enzymes are responsible for a lot of the work that is going on in cells. They act as catalysts in order to help produce and speed up chemical reactions. When a cell needs to get something done, it almost always uses an enzyme to speed things along. https://www.ducksters.com/science/biology/enzymes.php
When you look down a highway, what do you see? Trash! - either paper cups, tin cans, and/or plastic bags.Waste is a huge problem in our society. Walking trails have this problem, trash is everywhere. Animals coming in contact with rubbish suffer greatly, such as squirrels, birds, raccoons, and many more that get choked on broken pieces of plastic and/or even getting cut. The most affected environment is the ocean. Roughly 8 million pieces of trash find its way into our oceans every year. It is outrageous and needs to stop. Researchers in Japan discovered a strain of bacteria that naturally evolved to eat What are enzymes? Enzymes are special types of proteins. Like all proteins, enzymes are made from strings of amino acids. The function of the enzyme is determined by the sequence of amino acids, types of amino acids, and the shape of the string.
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