Algae as a Possible Source of Fuel Essay Example

Algae as a Possible Source of Fuel Essay Example Algae as a Possible Source of Fuel Paper Algae as a Possible Source of Fuel Paper In this modern age, majority of peoples lifestyle are driven by consumption. Because of this, the gap between demand and resources has greatly widen. This means that the raw materials needed in the construction of so-called modern-day necessities such as gasoline is rapidly dwindling but the demand for the end products continues to soar.   This kind of situation is possible because most of the natural materials that are utilizedare non-renewable, meaning these materials can not be replaced or reproduced. So, the need to discover renewable resources   have been the main concern of many scientists.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In an article at   the Biology News Net website entitled â€Å" Algae could one day be a major hydrogen fuel source† written by Argonne National Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, it tackled the likelihood of algae as a manufacturer of hydrogen for the production of fuel. According to scientists, algae have a lot of potential as a source of renewable fuel particularly hydrogen gas. Algae are one-celled plants. The most common and popular kind of algae are seaweeds which are found on beaches or the ocean. These are the greenish or brownish plant you see on the water floating that sometimes are caught in your body while you swim. Moreover, based on the findings of David Tiede, a chemist at the mentioned laboratory, algae produce hydrogen gas through their hydrogenase which is an enzyme responsible for removing their excess gas. Presently, a team of experts led by Tiede is attempting to find ways to generate hydrogen from algae using photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process common to all plants in which the byproduct is oxygen. If they would find a method on how to conduct this experiment, large quantity of hydrogen gas can be produced at the same rate as with the production of oxygen. Compared to corn, algae is more practical as a source of renewable energy because corn requires a larger land area for its cultivation while algae can be grown in smaller spaces which can also be mobile such as a closed photobioreactor analogous or a microbial fermentor. Though the research is just starting, its predicted outcome is very promising which could be a major contribution in saving the environment (Argonne National Laboratory, 2008, â€Å"Algae could one day be a major hydrogen fuel source†). It is amazing how a simple plant can dramatically alter the production of renewable fuels. In my Biology class, algae were just simply defined as â€Å"aquatic unicellular organisms.†Ã‚   The usual description of algae is that they are not actually plants but they are considered plants because they have similar characteristics with plants due to their ability to undergo photosynthesis. Its beneficial function as a source of energy was not frequently discussed in school. More so, in biology, only the basic functions of algae are taught.   The most common knowledge about their function is only limited with their relationships with other   life forms under water. Most of the time, the numerous species of algae are depicted as the only source of food for higher marine organisms like fishes. But I have found out in class that algae are also used as raw materials for many products including pharmaceutical and coloring agents.

The Function of the Diencephalon Section of the Brain

The Function of the Diencephalon Section of the Brain The diencephalon and the telencephalon (cerebrum) comprise the two major divisions of your prosencephalon or forebrain. If you were to look at a brain, with the skull removed, you would not be able to see the diencephalon, it is mostly hidden from view. It is a small part of the brain nested  under and between the two  cerebral hemispheres, just above the start of the  midbrains brain stem. Despite being small in size, the diencephalon plays a number of critical roles in healthy brain and bodily function within the central nervous system. Function The diencephalon relays sensory information between  brain  regions and controls many autonomic functions of the  peripheral nervous system. It connects structures of the  endocrine system  with the nervous system and works with the  limbic system  structures to generate and manage emotions and memories.   Several structures of the diencephalon work together and with other body parts  to affect the following bodily functions: Directing sense impulses throughout the bodyAutonomic function controlEndocrine function controlMotor function controlHomeostasisHearing, vision, smell, and tasteTouch perception Structures of the Diencephalon The main structures of the diencephalon include the hypothalamus, thalamus, epithalamus (along with the  pineal gland), and subthalamus. Also located within the diencephalon is the third ventricle, one of the four brain ventricles or cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Each part has its own role to play. Thalamus The thalamus assists in sensory perception, regulation of motor functions, and control of sleep and wake cycles. The brain has two thalamus sections. The thalamus acts as a relay station for almost all sensory information (with the exception of smell). Before the sensory information reaches your brains cortex, it stops at the thalamus first. The sensory information travels to the area (or nuclei) that specialize in dealing with that sensory information and then that information passes to the cortex for further processing. The thalamus processes information it receives from the cortex as well. It passes that information on to other parts of the brain and plays a big role in sleep and consciousness.   Hypothalamus The hypothalamus is small, about the size of an almond, and serves as the control center for many autonomic functions through the release of  hormones. This part of the brain is also responsible for maintaining homeostasis, which is your bodys attempt to maintain normal balance, for example, body temperature and blood pressure. The hypothalamus receives a steady stream of information about these types of factors. When the hypothalamus recognizes an unanticipated imbalance, it enacts a mechanism to rectify that disparity. As the main area that regulates hormone secretion and the control of hormone release from the  pituitary gland, the hypothalamus has widespread effects on the body and behavior.   Epithalamus Located in the rear or bottom area of the diencephalon that includes the pineal gland,  the epithalamus aids in sense of smell and helps to regulate sleep and wake cycles. The pineal gland is an endocrine gland that secretes the hormone melatonin, which is thought to play an important role in the regulation of circadian rhythms responsible for sleep and wake cycles. Subthalamus A portion of the subthalamus is made of tissues from the midbrain. This area is densely interconnected with the basal ganglia structures that are part of the cerebrum, which assists in motor control. Other Divisions of the Brain There are three divisions  of the brain. The diencephalon along with the cerebral cortex and brain lobes make up the forebrain. The other two parts are the midbrain and hindbrain. The midbrain  is where the brain stem starts and connects the forebrain to the hindbrain. The brain stem travels all the way through the hindbrain. The hindbrain regulates autonomic functions and coordinates most bodily movement.