B6

Question 1

Explain the biomagnification of DDT.

Answer 1

• Biomagnification - concentration of a substance increases as it goes up the food chain
• DDT accumulates in the fat tissue, is not metabolized by the body

Question 2

how heavy metal ions decrease the rate of enzymatic reaction?

Answer 2

they disrupt disulphide bridges
disrupts tertiary structure

Question 3

Explain how the inclusion of carbohydrates in plastics makes them biodegradable

Answer 3

• plastic is more accessible for bacteria as channels are created
• bacteria can break down carbohydrates
• plastic is more water soluble

Question 4

Outline two specific examples or technological processes of how Green Chemistry has accomplished this environmental impact.

Answer 4

• biodegradable plastic by addition of starch
• use of enzymes instead of detergents
• use of enzymes instead of emulsifiers to treat oil spills
• recovery of energy