Intro
This was our final project for the year, and the theme was to solve a world problem using some sort of biotechnology. We could choose any problem that we wanted, and solve it any way we could think of. My partner and I chose to find a solution for climate change. We wanted to find a way to not just slow the progression of climate change, but reverse the effects. The best way to do this would be to remove the excess CO2 from the atmosphere, using a carbon scrubber. This device is able to absorb CO2 from the air, but there are many different ways to do it. We wanted to make sure we incorporated biology concepts into our design, so we took a more biological approach.
We researched a process called the CETCH Cycle, which is like an alternative to the Calvin Cycle. The Calvin Cycle is the process during photosynthesis that absorbs CO2 and outputs oxygen and energy. However, it is slow and inefficient, so we decided to find a better way. That better way is the CETCH Cycle. It uses 17 different enzymes to create a much more efficient process of absorbing CO2 and turning it into O2. It can even be done in-vitro, so it doesn't need to be done in plants. This cuts out a lot of time that would be needed for research so the solution can be implemented sooner. We designed a carbon scrubber that would be able to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and release O2, using the CETCH Cycle. This was the perfect solution to climate change.
We researched a process called the CETCH Cycle, which is like an alternative to the Calvin Cycle. The Calvin Cycle is the process during photosynthesis that absorbs CO2 and outputs oxygen and energy. However, it is slow and inefficient, so we decided to find a better way. That better way is the CETCH Cycle. It uses 17 different enzymes to create a much more efficient process of absorbing CO2 and turning it into O2. It can even be done in-vitro, so it doesn't need to be done in plants. This cuts out a lot of time that would be needed for research so the solution can be implemented sooner. We designed a carbon scrubber that would be able to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and release O2, using the CETCH Cycle. This was the perfect solution to climate change.
Our Project
Concepts
Carbon Cycle- Carbon in the air is absorbed by plants through carbon fixation in photosynthesis. We eat plants and get carbon. The carbon that we breathe in goes back into the atmosphere through respiration. When we decompose, the carbon goes back to the soil. Carbon that doesn’t decay goes into carbon sink and turns into fossil fuels. When these are burned in combustion the CO2 goes back into the atmosphere. Sea turtles get carbon from the seagrass that they eat. This carbon was absorbed into the ocean, then absorbed by plants. In our project the carbon cycle is related to the problem we needed to solve. High levels of CO2 being released into the atmosphere from combustion is causing global warming and climate change.
Photosynthesis- Photosynthesis is the process where plants turn sunlight into glucose that they can use for energy. It takes place in the chloroplasts.
6CO2 + 6H2O + Light = C6H12O6 + 6O2. Photosynthesis affects sea turtles because the grass that they eat uses photosynthesis to live.
- Light Dependent Reaction- Occurs in the thylakoid membranes. Uses H20 and light energy to produce O2, ATP, and NADPH.
- Light Independent Reaction (Calvin Cycle)- Also known as carbon fixation. It occurs in the stroma. Uses the ATP and NADPH from the light reaction as well as CO2 to produce glucose.
This related to our project because we wanted to use the concept of photosynthesis, but improve it. We used different enzymes to create a different Calvin Cycle that can absorb CO2 more efficiently.
Climate Change- Climate change in what is occuring due to the excess amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. CO2 is a greenhouse gas, which means it traps heat in the atmosphere. This causes the global temperature to rise. Rising temperatures is dangerous because it causes sea ice to melt, which in turn causes sea levels to rise. This is a threat to coastal cities, as they could be wiped out completely. Climate change also causes more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and wildfires. These pose an obvious threat to us all. Many species are threatened by climate change because of the effect it has on their habitats. Many species have already gone extinct. This relates to our project because it is the problem that we are trying to solve.
Photosynthesis- Photosynthesis is the process where plants turn sunlight into glucose that they can use for energy. It takes place in the chloroplasts.
6CO2 + 6H2O + Light = C6H12O6 + 6O2. Photosynthesis affects sea turtles because the grass that they eat uses photosynthesis to live.
- Light Dependent Reaction- Occurs in the thylakoid membranes. Uses H20 and light energy to produce O2, ATP, and NADPH.
- Light Independent Reaction (Calvin Cycle)- Also known as carbon fixation. It occurs in the stroma. Uses the ATP and NADPH from the light reaction as well as CO2 to produce glucose.
This related to our project because we wanted to use the concept of photosynthesis, but improve it. We used different enzymes to create a different Calvin Cycle that can absorb CO2 more efficiently.
Climate Change- Climate change in what is occuring due to the excess amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. CO2 is a greenhouse gas, which means it traps heat in the atmosphere. This causes the global temperature to rise. Rising temperatures is dangerous because it causes sea ice to melt, which in turn causes sea levels to rise. This is a threat to coastal cities, as they could be wiped out completely. Climate change also causes more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and wildfires. These pose an obvious threat to us all. Many species are threatened by climate change because of the effect it has on their habitats. Many species have already gone extinct. This relates to our project because it is the problem that we are trying to solve.
Reflection
This project went very smoothly because of the cooperation between me and my partner. We created an organized list of ideas that we both came up with and worked to together to pick the best one. Both of our ideas were equally considered and we also both contributed ideas. We were able to discuss pros and cons to discover the best topic to do our project on, that we would both enjoy. Another good part was that we both contributed to the work. We divided work up into two parts so we both did an equal part. This way, we were able to get the work done efficiently and easily. We had no trouble getting parts done by their deadlines.
One of the downsides was that since we finished each part so quickly, we often found ourselves with nothing to do. We were both motivated and hard workers so most of the parts were finished halfway through class. This left us with a substantial amount of time where we didn't do anything productive. We should've been using that time to do more research, or get a headstart on other parts of the project rather than do other classwork. Another downside is that it is difficult to be focused and engaged on a research project for this long of a time. We tended to get distracted, especially by the end of the second week. We could've definitely improved our focus.
One of the downsides was that since we finished each part so quickly, we often found ourselves with nothing to do. We were both motivated and hard workers so most of the parts were finished halfway through class. This left us with a substantial amount of time where we didn't do anything productive. We should've been using that time to do more research, or get a headstart on other parts of the project rather than do other classwork. Another downside is that it is difficult to be focused and engaged on a research project for this long of a time. We tended to get distracted, especially by the end of the second week. We could've definitely improved our focus.