12: The Biosphere and the Role of Green Chemistry in Feeding a Hungry World
- Page ID
- 285363
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)“From the 1990s, genetically engineered crops resistant to glyphosate herbicide that can be sprayed directly for weed control resulted in a revolution in the production of corn, soybeans, and cotton. Unfortunately, weeds are now emerging that are resistant to glyphosate. Pigweed has been an especially bad actor that can grow 7 or 8 centimeters in a day, reach heights of 2 meters, and with stalks so thick and strong that they can damage harvesting machinery.”
- 12.1: Pigweed’s Revenge
- This page discusses glyphosate's impact on agriculture through the development of genetically engineered "Roundup ready" crops, facilitating reduced tillage and environmental benefits. However, glyphosate-resistant weeds, particularly pigweed, emerged, infesting vast crop areas by 2010. In response, new crop varieties resistant to different herbicides are being created, while amaranth species, including pigweed, also present potential as a nutritious food source.
- 12.2: The Biosphere
- This page discusses the biosphere's role in green chemistry, emphasizing the positive contributions of living organisms in material production and the importance of minimizing toxic substances for human and ecological health. It contrasts efficient biological synthesis with harmful industrial methods, while defining life through metabolism, reproduction, and heredity.
- 12.3: Cells - Basic Units of Life
- This page discusses the fundamental role of cells in the biosphere, distinguishing between prokaryotic and eukaryotic types. It highlights unique features of plant cells, such as cell walls and chloroplasts, and essential organelles in eukaryotic cells, like nuclei and mitochondria. It also notes the significance of photosynthesis, especially by cyanobacteria, in increasing atmospheric oxygen, which facilitated terrestrial life and influenced Earth's biosphere.
- 12.4: Metabolism and Control in Organisms
- This page explores metabolism in living organisms, detailing processes like photosynthesis, digestion, and respiration, with a focus on enzyme functions and the effects of temperature and toxins on their activity. It also discusses nutritional needs, regulatory hormones from glands such as the anterior pituitary and pancreas, and the impact of toxic substances that can disrupt endocrine functions, specifically how synthetic chemicals may mimic hormones and affect development.
- 12.5: Reproduction and Inherited Traits
- This page discusses organism metabolism and reproduction, highlighting overpopulation risks primarily in humans and resource depletion. Reproduction can be asexual or sexual and is governed by DNA, which may mutate. Beneficial mutations aid natural selection, while harmful ones, often induced by chemicals, can lead to serious health risks. Therefore, green chemistry focuses on minimizing exposure to mutagens to safeguard reproductive health and the environment.
- 12.6: Stability and Equilibrium of the Biosphere
- This page discusses the necessity of homeostasis for organism survival through environmental interactions and energy balance. It emphasizes the role of ecological interactions in ecosystems, including food chains and biomagnification. The challenges posed by various biomes and human impact are highlighted, alongside the importance of diversity, productivity, and resilience in ecosystems.
- 12.7: DNA and the Human Genome
- This page covers Chapter 7, which highlights the importance of DNA as a macromolecule for genetic information storage and transmission, composed of nucleotides. It differentiates DNA from RNA, discusses Watson and Crick's discovery of DNA's double-helix structure, and explains the role of genes in protein synthesis and medicine, particularly in the context of the Human Genome Project.
- 12.8: Genetic Engineering
- This page discusses the evolution of genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology, emphasizing its impact on agriculture and medicine. It contrasts traditional breeding with modern techniques developed since the 1970s, which enable the creation of transgenic organisms capable of producing useful proteins like insulin.
- 12.9: Biological Interaction with Environmental Chemicals
- This page discusses the significant interactions between organisms and xenobiotic materials, focusing on bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes. It highlights the harmful effects of toxins like DDT as they concentrate in higher food chain organisms. Bioconcentration is defined as the accumulation of substances in an organism's lipid tissues, influenced by factors like solubility, species, and environmental conditions.
- 12.10: Biodegradation
- This page discusses how bacteria, fungi, and protozoa facilitate biodegradation in various environments, essential for the carbon cycle. It details two metabolic processes: the utilization of organic matter and cometabolism. The white rot fungus exemplifies effective cometabolism of organochlorines.
- 12.11: Production of Food and Fiber by the Biosphere - Agriculture
- This page discusses the importance of agriculture for human survival and its connection to green chemistry. It highlights the need for careful application of agricultural chemicals to improve soil health and food production. Despite its ecological impact, cultivation has temporarily reduced greenhouse gases. The "green revolution" has increased crop yields through advancements like selective breeding and better irrigation, though herbicide use presents both advantages and challenges.
- 12.12: Agricultural Applications of Genetically Modified Organisms
- This page details the role of recombinant DNA technology in enhancing agricultural crops through genetic engineering, enabling traits like pest resistance and herbicide tolerance, and paving the way for a second green revolution. It explores future possibilities, such as nitrogen-fixing crops and transgenic "golden rice" for health benefits, as well as innovations like caffeine-free coffee and vaccine-producing bananas.
- 12.13: The Anthrosphere in Support of the Biosphere
- This page highlights the potential for technology to benefit the biosphere, particularly through advancements in agriculture and restoration ecology. Innovations like recombinant DNA show promise in enhancing productivity and reviving ecosystems. Successful restoration efforts have revived species, although some, like Canadian geese, now present challenges.
- 12.14: Livestock and their Wastes
- This page discusses the impact of intensive agriculture in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on Chesapeake Bay's water pollution, primarily due to livestock farming and manure. Traditional farming methods lead to nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, exacerbating harmful algal blooms. Sustainable practices, such as minimal tillage and cover crops, are being promoted to mitigate this pollution, enhance agricultural sustainability, and align with local farming beliefs.
- Questions and Problems
- This page features questions about biological principles, including characteristics of living organisms, cellular components, enzymes, metabolic processes like respiration, and ecological concepts such as bioaccumulation. It also addresses biotechnology advancements like recombinant DNA and transgenic technology, the human genome's importance, and agricultural innovations.
- Supplementary References
- This page lists academic references on environmental science and agriculture, addressing urban density, nuclear energy, biotechnology, and global environmental protection. It highlights diverse scholarly contributions discussing sustainability challenges in agriculture, the historical evolution of agriculture, and Earth's biosphere dynamics, showcasing various perspectives relevant to ecological and agricultural research.