Synthetic Biology and Materials Science Part 2: Nature-Made Plastics

The video tutorial explores how biotechnology is transforming material production, focusing on enzyme-based processes. It highlights the environmental issues with traditional plastic production and introduces a sustainable alternative using Tulipolin A. The tutorial details the design and optimization of enzymatic pathways, emphasizing computational advancements. It concludes with the potential of biotechnology to revolutionize industries by enabling sustainable, efficient production methods.

What is one of the main advantages of using enzymes in industrial processes?

• They are more expensive than traditional methods.

• They require complex machinery.

• They produce more waste.

• They are environmentally friendly.

What is a major environmental concern with the production of PMMA?

• It uses too much water.

• It relies on non-renewable petroleum.

• It is biodegradable.

• It is too cheap to produce.

What is a key benefit of PMBL over PMMA?

• PMBL is less transparent.

• PMBL is more thermal and scratch resistant.

• PMBL is less durable.

• PMBL is more expensive to produce.

Why is it challenging to produce tuliplin A in large quantities?

• Tuliplin A is not stable.

• Tuliplin A is too expensive to synthesize.

• Tuliplin A is not a major product of tulips.

• Tulips are not widely available.

What is a significant challenge in designing enzyme pathways?

• Designing enzymes that are too specific.

• Identifying a sequence of enzymes that will be successful.

• Finding enzymes that work on completely different substrates.

• Using only natural enzymes.

How can computational design aid in enzyme modification?

• By randomly changing enzyme structures.

• By making enzymes less specific.

• By predicting how structural changes affect enzyme activity.

• By eliminating the need for enzymes.

What is the role of codon optimization in enzyme expression?

• To change the protein structure.

• To make the DNA sequence more complex.

• To ensure efficient gene expression in the host organism.

• To increase the variety of proteins produced.

What is a potential benefit of using engineered microorganisms in manufacturing?

• They are more expensive to maintain.

• They can produce diverse products from simple materials.

• They require more energy.

• They produce more waste.

What is a key advantage of scaling up enzyme-based production processes?

• It is as simple as buying a bigger vat.

• It is less efficient.

• It increases reagent waste.

• It requires more complex machinery.

What is the environmental impact of enzyme-based manufacturing processes?

• They are carbon capturing or neutral.

• They are carbon releasing.

• They increase pollution.

• They deplete natural resources.