Final Project
Introduction:
The purpose of this project was to use biotechnology to create a solution to an issue in our world. What we decided to do was genetically modify algae to have more chloroplasts, so that it takes in more light and CO₂ during photosynthesis. We planned to do this by isolating the DNA strand, and then the gene that produces chloroplasts. We would then use epigenetics to turn on the feedback loop of the gene, which would overexpress it, creating the possibility of more chloroplasts in the organism. Chloroplasts allow plants to take in light during photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, if a plant is able to take in more light, the plant will have to take in more carbon dioxide to compensate. Since carbon dioxide is the main factor in ocean acidification, lessening that would greatly help marine life and their habitats.
Evidence of work:
Problem:The problem that we worked to solve in this project was ocean acidification. This is the lowering of the pH levels in the ocean, and it is killing sea creatures and coral reefs.
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Solution:We want to decrease ocean acidification by genetically modifying algae to have more chloroplasts so that it takes in more light and CO₂ during photosynthesis, which would increase the overall pH in the ocean, reversing pollution.
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Content:
- Ocean Acidification- the ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO. 2) from the atmosphere. Our goal was to find a solution to ocean acidification, by genetically modifying algae to decrease the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and hydrosphere.
- Photosynthesis- The process by where plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water. This process takes place in the chloroplasts of the organism, and we are making this process more efficient by increasing the amount of chloroplasts in the plant.
- GMO- A genetically modified organism. in our project, we researched genetically modified organisms because that is how we would get the algae to overexpress certain genes.
- Mentor- an experienced and trusted adviser. We used a mentor in this project because we were not very experienced or knowledgeable in the subject, so we wanted to have contact with someone who was. We contacted a professor who runs an organism that works to solve ocean acidification.
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- Coralline Algae- Corraline algae is the type of algae that we studied for this project. We chose this type of algae because it can already take in more light than regular algae.
- Chloroplasts- an organelle in plants that contains chlorophyll and in which photosynthesis takes place. We studied chloroplasts because our goal is to increase the productivity of photosynthesis.
- Pollution- the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. The introduction of CO2 in the atmosphere is the main reason for ocean acidification, which is why we studied it.
- Calcium Carbonate- The coral reef is made up of layers of calcium carbonate. Ocean acidification is affecting these layers and destroying habitats, which is why we need to find a solution.
- Feedback loop- a system where the output of a system amplifies the system (positive feedback) or inhibits the system (negative feedback), which allows the organisms to maintain homeostasis. The two different types of feedback loops are negative and positive. We used a positive feedback loop in this project, by planning to overexpress the chloroplast gene.
Reflection:
This final project was very interesting to me because we were able to identify a real- world issue and research real-world ways to solve that issue. I also feel that me and my partner worked really well together, which helped to make the process of this project run very smoothly. Overall, I would say that I liked this project a lot and it made me curious about what to study in the future.
It is definitely more interesting for me to be working with real world problems than hypothetical ones. One major thing that really made this project feel real was when we contacted a mentor. This really forced us to look into the research that was being done in this subject, and that is what made it feel really important to me.
I think that in group projects, the group really affects the outcome. Group work is a very important aspect that is a part of everyone's life, so learning to work well in groups or with partners is crucial. My partner and I worked very well on this project, and we were very focused and got the job done. For these reasons, I think that one of the major things that I learned during this project was teamwork and communication.
This project was very interesting, and I think that topics like these would be a good thing for me to look into for my future researches.
It is definitely more interesting for me to be working with real world problems than hypothetical ones. One major thing that really made this project feel real was when we contacted a mentor. This really forced us to look into the research that was being done in this subject, and that is what made it feel really important to me.
I think that in group projects, the group really affects the outcome. Group work is a very important aspect that is a part of everyone's life, so learning to work well in groups or with partners is crucial. My partner and I worked very well on this project, and we were very focused and got the job done. For these reasons, I think that one of the major things that I learned during this project was teamwork and communication.
This project was very interesting, and I think that topics like these would be a good thing for me to look into for my future researches.