Global Impact of Chemistry

Objectives

What impact do chemists have on materials, energy, medicine, agriculture, the environment, and the study of the universe?

Important Vocabulary

Macroscopic Microscopic Biotechnology Pollutant

Connections to Chemistry

Chemistry infiltrates many aspects of our world

We are going to discuss 6 main areas: Materials Energy Medicine & biotechnology Agriculture The environment The universe

Materials Chemists design materials

to fit specific needs Inspiration is often found

in nature For example, in 1955

George de Mestral came up with Velcro after observing the way burrs attached to his clothing microscopically

Macroscopic vs. MicroscopicMacroscopic

Objects that are large enough to see with the unaided eye

For example: A burr Veins in a plant leaf Scales of a fish Books on a shelf

Microscopic Objects that can

only be seen under magnification

For example: Bacteria Viruses Red blood cells Mold spores

Energy Energy is necessary to meet the needs of a

modern society Such as, heating buildings, manufacturing

goods, and processing foods Chemists specifically aide in finding ways

to conserve, produce and store energy

Conservation of Energy One of the easiest ways to

conserve energy is through the use of insulation

Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow

A modern form of insulation is known as SEAgel (Safe Emulsion Agar gel), which is a foam made from seaweed.

How else can energy be conserved?

Production of Energy

The burning of fossil fuels such as: coal, natural gas, and petroleum are a major source of energy

However, this source is limited So chemists are always looking for

alternative energy sources What alternative energy have already

been produced?

Energy Storage Comes in the form of batteries, which

contain chemicals that release the energy with an electric current

Medicine & Biotechnology

This is the field with the most advances from chemistry

Chemistry supplies the medicines, materials, and technology that are essential to our health care system

The work in this field is mostly accomplished by biochemists

Medicines There are over 2000 different prescription

drugs. They are used to treat infections, physical

diseases, symptoms of disease, and mental illness

There are also thousands of over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements

Drugs are effective because they are designed to specifically interact with chemicals in your cells

Nature’s Pharmacy About 40% of all modern medicines come from

chemicals produced by plants or animals.

FoxgloveDigitalis purpureaProduces the poison digitalis which is used to treat congestive heart failure

Willow barkSalix babylonicaWas used for centuries in tea to treat headaches & pain. The active ingredient, salicin, was discovered in 1828. But it wasn’t patented as aspirin until 1900

Cone SnailConus striatusProduces toxins that paralyze their prey. It is currently being studied as a possible treatment for nervous system disorders & chronic pain

Materials in Medicine Include plastic tubes as

replacement blood vessels, artificial joints for knees and hips, plastic skin for burn victims & prosthetic limbs

Chemicals that can repair damage in the body are released from tiny capsules

Biotechnology Applies science to the production

of biological products or processes

It is used to: Alter DNA in living organisms Transfer genes Produce important chemicals such

as: insulin Map the entire human genome

Realm of Biotechnology

Agriculture Chemists help to develop more

productive crops and safer, more effective ways to protect crops.

For example: Genetically altering crop species to

be more resistant to disease, drought, & insects

Developing safer pesticides

The Environment One of the consequences of new technology is

the production of pollutants. A pollutant is a material found in the air, water

or soil that is harmful to humans or other organisms

Chemists thus, help to identify pollutants and prevent pollution Lead Poisoning study in 1971 Banning the use of lead in paint in 1978 Banning the use of lead in gas & water pipes

1986

The Universe Chemists study the universe by gathering

data from afar and analyzing matter that is brought back to Earth

For example: Early 1800’s studying the composition of

stars by analyzing light emitted The discovery of helium on the sun’s surface

in 1868 by Pierre Janssen Studying moon rocks Mars rover’s collections

Assignment Read p.29 Complete the analyze the issue

questions #1-3