Microalgae has emerged as a promising source of renewable energy in recent years. These microscopic photosynthetic organisms have the potential to produce clean and sustainable fuel that can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Researchers around the world are exploring various methods for cultivating microalgae and extracting their lipid content for biofuel production. This article delves into the science of microalgae cultivation for biofuel and highlights some of the recent breakthroughs in this field.
A group of researchers at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil have made a breakthrough in the production of biofuels by growing microalgae in laboratory environments. The team focused on the metabolites, especially lipids, that could be used to produce biofuels. According to the report published in the journal Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, under controlled conditions, researchers grew the microalgae and extracted various valuable compounds like protein, carbohydrates, and other useful elements like beta-carotene, a natural blue pigment which could be used in cosmetics. The study highlights the significance of Botryococcus terribilis cultivation, which has great economic and environmental importance yet has scarcely been addressed in the literature. The study was supported by FAPESP, the São Paulo Research Foundation.
The research analyzed the growth and productivity of the microalga Botryococcus terribilis in both open and closed systems. Closed systems, such as photobioreactors, can control conditions, while open systems like raceways have a controlled air input and nutrient circulation. Through the study, researchers were able to extract the first time hydrocarbons and quantified various metabolites. Microalgae are the source of approximately 50% of the world’s oxygen, and grow through photosynthesis by converting atmospheric carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into energy, generating oxygen as a byproduct.
Microalgaes are unicellular and reproduce by mitosis, each cell divides into identical daughter cells. To take advantage of the biocompounds in their cells, they need to be killed. However, these organisms grow fast and are usually abundant, which suggests the use of a highly sustainable resource. As Botryococcus terribilis oils comprise long-chain hydrocarbons and larger quantities of saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, they are suitable for biofuel synthesis.
According to Luisa Fernanda Ríos, chemical engineering researcher and co-author of the article, the team stressed the organism by eliminating nutrients required for growth. This caused the organism to accumulate lipids as a survival strategy. The proportions of proteins and carbohydrates decreased while the compound of interest/study increased, and the right balance must be achieved.
The research represents a major step towards the University’s sustainability aims, and UNICAMP hopes that their findings will be utilized in the cultivation and application of microalgae through biorefinery techniques. Microalgae remains an untapped source of biofuels, cosmetics, and food additives due to a scarcity of information on cultivation, stress, and composition.
In conclusion, it is clear that microalgae hold immense potential as a source of biofuels. The cultivation of these tiny organisms by researchers and scientists around the world represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable energy systems. While there are still some challenges facing the large-scale production of biofuels from microalgae, ongoing research and technological advancements offer hope for a greener and more sustainable future. As we continue to explore the potential of these versatile, renewable resources, it is certain that microalgae will play a critical role in powering the world’s energy needs in the years to come.
plants
11 Plant Cell Structures and Their Functions for Plant Survival!
The structure of a plant cell basically consists of several components surrounded by a cell wall. It can be said that plants themselves have a fairly important role in other life, especially in the continuity of the living environment.
At the same time, the cells in plants are known to regulate all their functions, from forming a plant to processing the growth and development of the plant itself.
Plant Cell Structure
The following is an explanation of the structure of plant cells in the study of biology that you can learn.
1. Cell membrane
The cell membrane, or often called the plasma membrane, is a structure found in almost all living things, from animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, archaea, and protists.
The cell membrane encloses the cytoplasm and nucleus. The cytoplasm is basically the complex part of the cell. The cytoplasm actually contains many molecules such as cola and some other cell organelles.
This allows the plasma membrane to act as a regulator of multiple solutes entering and leaving the cell simultaneously in osmosis.
2. Cell wall
Unlike animal or human cell membranes, plant and fungal cells can have a unique structure called a cell wall. Thanks to the cell wall, plants have a unique structure compared to animal cells.
3. Cytoplasm
The fluid in the cell that is between the nucleus and the plasma membrane is called the cytoplasm. The main components of the cytoplasmic cell structure are the cytosol and various other organelles. This cytosolic component is a liquid from the cytoplasm that surrounds the organelles.
4. Nucleus
The term nucleus can also be called the nucleus of a plant cell. This nucleus is the command center of the cell, which can control the metabolic processes of growth, division, and even protein synthesis.
Chromosomes, or genetic components, are made up of different chromatin strands, often stored in the nucleus or nucleus of the cell.
5. Ribosomes
Ribosomes become part of the next component of the plant cell structure. These ribosomes can be considered as smaller particles than mitochondria. Although ribosomes are small, they are the building blocks of small plant cells.
Until recently, the only tool that could be used to visualize ribosomes in plant cells was the electron microscope.
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6. Endoplasmic Reticulum
After discussing ribosomes, this section also discusses endoplasmic or often abbreviated RE. ER itself can be considered as a cell organelle that functions as a channel in the cytoplasm that connects the cell membrane to the nucleus.
7. Many Golgi
The Golgi apparatus was originally discovered by an Italian histologist and pathologist named Camillo Golgi. In plant cells, the Golgi apparatus is also known as a dictyosome.
The Golgi apparatus can be thought of as a membrane-lined sac whose job it is to prepare proteins for excretion from the cell.
8. Mitochondria
Mitochondria can be seen as cellular organelles with complex structures to produce energy for plants. In other living things, mitochondria can be used as a place of respiration.
Respiration itself is a process of decomposition or catabolism that is used to produce energy or energy for life processes.
9. Lysosomes
The cells that make up the next plant are lysosomes. These lysosomes are the digestive center of the cell, which produce various enzymes. It is also known that lysosomes can break down food particles and recycle spent cellular components.
10. Vacuoles
Vacuoles are cell structures present in mature plants. These cells are fluid-filled and contain dissolved inorganic ions, organic acids, sugars, enzymes, and other secondary metabolite components.
Simply put, the vacuum serves as a repository for toxic waste and other useful products such as water. Vacuoles in plant cells make up 80-90% of the total cell volume.
11. Chloroplasts
The last organelle that only exists in plants is the chloroplast. Chloroplasts can be considered as cell organelles that contain green pigments that capture sunlight to convert into sugar.
This process itself is usually called photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates and oxygen in plants. This plant cell structure has a green or orange color. As in carrot plants, tubers, and flowers.
By knowing the structure of plant cells, it can add to our insight. For those of you who want to know more about the structure of plant cells, you can do it by reading books. Book Complete Biology Reference: Cells & Metabolism You can use it as a reference to study the structure of plant cells, including animals and microbes.
This book contains important concepts about cells and metabolism, so you understand difference between animal cells and plant cellsincluding the cells of other living things.
You can order and buy this book at Gramedia.com!
news, plants, tomato, soil, harvest, tomatoes, garden and vegetable garden
It happens that strong and healthy seedlings break, but do not rush to throw out the plants.
Some gardeners grow seedlings with a margin: sometimes the plants are elongated, frail, thin and quickly turn yellow.
A simple trick will help a broken sprout to release roots and quickly take root. And here’s what to do.
What to do with a broken tomato
If your tomato is broken, then try transplanting a small part of the stem with the root into a separate pot, part of the stem with leaves into water.
The part of the plant that is in the water will quickly release roots, and the root will sprout from a dormant bud. Both plants will later give a good harvest, although they may be slightly behind other seedlings.
If the tomato is broken, add a little potassium humate to the water to activate growth. Roots will appear literally in 6-7 days.
Do not rush to immediately plant the plant in the garden, let it soak on the windowsill until the first new leaf appears.
Alternatively, with a broken tomato, you can do the following: dip in root, and then put in water to wait for the roots.
Discovery of a herbal plant that prevents cancer, lowers cholesterol and contributes to weight loss
Al-Marsad Newspaper: Cardamom has been known for its medicinal benefits since ancient times, in addition to being one of the most common spices.
Among its most prominent benefits:
Helps prevent cancer
In a 2012 study, the results of which were published on websites, it was found that cardamom regulates the activity of genes in skin cancer cells, and reduces the activity of genes related to the spread and growth of cancer.
It was also found that there are compounds in cardamom that fight cancer, and these compounds have the ability to kill cancer cells and prevent the growth of new cancer cells.
Promotes digestive health
Cardamom contains a group of fibers and chemicals that are very beneficial for the digestive system, as it works on the following:
Helps treat stomach problems, intestinal cramps and flatulence.
It helps increase the movement of food through the intestines, which helps in preventing constipation and enhancing the excretion process.
Promotes the softening of the stool, and thus the ease of defecation.
Helps lower cholesterol
Cardamom is rich in dietary fiber, which gives it an important feature, as the fiber contributes significantly to lowering levels of harmful cholesterol in the body, and promoting cardiovascular health, which contributes to the prevention of strokes and strokes.
Contributes to weight control
The high content of cardamom in dietary fiber may play a role in promoting weight loss. Every two tablespoons of cardamom contains 3.2 grams of dietary fiber, which contributes to covering approximately:
13% of women’s daily fiber requirement.
8% of men’s fiber needs.
This means an increase in the feeling of fullness and fullness of the stomach after eating meals that contain cardamom, and facilitating the process of digestion and excretion. It is worth mentioning that cooking cardamom contributes to enhancing the benefit reaped from the dietary fibers it contains.
It contains a lot of iron and manganese
Cardamom is a good source of iron and manganese, which are important for many vital processes in the body, which are as follows:
They help in cellular metabolism.
Iron helps prevent anemia, and provides oxygen to cells.
Manganese contributes to maintaining bone health.
Treats nausea and vomiting
Eating cardamom helps prevent some annoying symptoms, such as: nausea and vomiting, especially those that may occur after surgeries and anesthesia.
It was found that applying a mixture of cardamom, ginger, and some essential oils on the neck for 30 minutes after anesthesia for surgical procedures contributes to relieving side effects and some symptoms such as: nausea and vomiting.
Improves odor and oral health
It was found that one of the benefits of cardamom is its ability to improve bad breath, which is an old and traditional recipe. It is possible to chew a little cardamom after a meal to improve breath odor.
The use of cardamom also helps to prevent bacteria and germs that may cause tooth decay and any other problems in it.
Some chewing gum companies use cardamom in their mouthwash formula because of its beneficial properties for the mouth.
Cardamom has other benefits
There are many other benefits of cardamom, but they need more evidence and studies to confirm them. Among the most important other benefits of cardamom are the following:
Treats symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Increases loss of appetite.
It treats colds and coughs, bronchitis, and sore mouth and throat.
Treats urinary tract problems.
Lowers blood sugar levels.
Protects the liver from diseases.
Treats insomnia and prevents depression.
Improves blood flow and circulation.
Discovery of a common plant that protects against heart disease and prevents stroke • Al Marsad Newspaper
Al Marsad newspaper: The ginger plant has many health benefits, especially for the heart, and it is also a rich source of antioxidants that fight free radicals.
Protects from heart disease
A group of researchers studied the data of more than 4,000 people, and came to the conclusion that people who use ginger more have less chances of developing chronic heart disease or high blood pressure.
1. It was found that ginger extract helps reduce the occurrence of cardiac abnormalities in diabetic rats, and this may be due to the antioxidant properties of ginger extract.
It was found that eating ginger can contribute to the prevention of heart disease.
Through its following benefits: Reducing blood pressure. Preventing heart attacks. Prevent blood clots. Relieve heartburn. Reduce cholesterol. improve blood circulation.
2. It helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol
Ginger has effective anti-inflammatory properties, and it is possible that these properties contribute to the positive effect of ginger on the heart and blood vessels, especially in diabetics, as it reduces triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and helps in better control of blood sugar.
3. Contributes to the treatment of cardiovascular disease There is some evidence that ginger extract may help treat cardiovascular disease as well, as one review found that taking a dose of 5 g or more of ginger extract can have a beneficial and significant antiplatelet effect . Other ginger benefits Other health benefits of ginger can include the following:
1. Prevention of germs Some of the chemical compounds present in ginger help prevent germs, especially in preventing the growth of bacteria, such as: Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Shigella (Shigella).
2. Reducing Nausea Ginger helps soothe an upset stomach, especially during pregnancy, by reducing the buildup of gas in the intestines. It may also help relieve seasickness or nausea caused by chemotherapy.
3. Reducing symptoms of arthritis Ginger is anti-inflammatory, which means it reduces swelling, so it may be particularly useful in treating symptoms of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Witness.. A “Saudi” doctor reveals the details of finding an extract from the wormwood plant “Al-Bathran” for the treatment of cancer..and explains its effectiveness
Al-Marsad newspaper: Dr. Abd al-Rahman Bazid, assistant professor in the Department of Medical Laboratories at the College of Science at the University of Hail, revealed the details of a Saudi research team’s finding of an extract from the artemisia plant (Al-Bathran) that is anti-cancer, which may revolutionize cancer treatment.
plants The two scatterers
He said during his intervention with the “Yahla” program: “We developed a new compound from the extract of the Al-Bathran plant, which is abundant in the Hail and Jazan regions, and the compound was developed using the extract of the plant in addition to a new technology, nanotechnology, and we combined it.”
extraction Treatment for cancer
He continued: “We tested the effectiveness of this compound against cancer cells, and it gave good efficacy, as well as against some pathogenic microbes that cause many infectious diseases.” And he continued: “We tested it against normal cells, and its toxicity was weak or negligible,” indicating that this opens the door to the development of this compound for future use in the treatment of cancerous tumors and infectious diseases.
update studying
He pointed out that the studies are still in their infancy and need a second and third phase, then testing them on patients to prove its effectiveness.
He explained that the study, in the first phase, aimed to test its effectiveness against prostate cancer cells, and greatly inhibited their growth.