Chemosynthesis Definition and Examples

Chemosynthesis Definition and Examples Chemosynthesis is the conversion of carbon compounds and other molecules into organic compounds. In this biochemical reaction, methane or an inorganic compound, such as hydrogen sulfide or hydrogen gas, is oxidized to act as the energy source. In contrast, the energy source for photosynthesis (the set of reactions through which carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen) uses energy from sunlight to power the process. The idea that microorganisms could live on inorganic compounds was proposed by Sergei Nikolaevich Vinogradnsii (Winogradsky) in 1890, based on research conducted on bacteria which appeared to live from nitrogen, iron, or sulfur. The hypothesis was validated in 1977 when the deep sea submersible Alvin observed tube worms and other life surrounding hydrothermal vents at the Galapagos Rift. Harvard student Colleen Cavanaugh proposed and later confirmed the tube worms survived because of their relationship with chemosynthetic bacteria. The official discovery of chemosynthesis is credited to Cavanaugh. Organisms that obtain energy by oxidation of electron donors are called chemotrophs. If the molecules are organic, the organisms are called chemoorganotrophs. If the molecules are inorganic, the organisms are terms chemolithotrophs. In contrast, organisms that use solar energy are called phototrophs. Chemoautotrophs and Chemoheterotrophs Chemoautotrophs obtain their energy from chemical reactions and synthesize organic compounds from carbon dioxide. The energy source for chemosynthesis may be elemental sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, molecular hydrogen, ammonia, manganese,  or iron. Examples of chemoautotrophs include bacteria and methanogenic archaea living in deep sea vents. The word chemosynthesis was originally coined by Wilhelm Pfeffer in 1897 to describe energy production by oxidation of inorganic molecules by autotrophs (chemolithoautotrophy). Under the modern definition, chemosynthesis also describes energy production via chemoorganoautotrophy. Chemoheterotrophs cannot fix carbon to form organic compounds. Instead, they can use inorganic energy sources, such as sulfur (chemolithoheterotrophs) or organic energy sources, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids (chemoorganoheterotrophs). Where Does Chemosynthesis Occur? Chemosynthesis has been detected in hydrothermal vents, isolated caves, methane clathrates, whale falls, and cold seeps. It has been hypothesized the process may permit life below the surface of Mars and Jupiters moon Europa. as well as other places in the solar system. Chemosynthesis can occur in the presences of oxygen, but it is not required. Example of Chemosynthesis In addition to bacterial and archaea,  some larger organisms rely on chemosynthesis. A good example is the giant tube worm which is found in great numbers  surrounding deep hydrothermal vents. Each worm houses chemosynthetic bacteria in an organ called a trophosome. The bacteria oxidize sulfur from the worms environment to produce the nourishment the animal needs. Using hydrogen sulfide as the energy source, the reaction for chemosynthesis is: 12 H2S 6 CO2 → C6H12O6 6 H2O 12 S This is much like the reaction to produce carbohydrate via photosynthesis, except photosynthesis releases oxygen gas, while chemosynthesis yields solid sulfur. The yellow sulfur granules are visible in the cytoplasm of bacteria that perform the reaction. Another example of chemosynthesis was discovered in 2013 when bacteria were found living in basalt below the sediment of the ocean floor. These bacteria were not associated with a hydrothermal vent. It has been suggested the bacteria use hydrogen from the reduction of minerals in seawater bathing the rock. The bacteria could react hydrogen and carbon dioxide to produce methane. Chemosynthesis in Molecular Nanotechnology While the term chemosynthesis is most often applied to biological systems, it can be used more generally to describe any form of chemical synthesis brought about by random thermal motion of reactants. In contrast, mechanical manipulation of molecules to control their reaction is called mechanosynthesis. Both chemosynthesis and mechanosynthesis have the potential to construct complex compounds, including new molecules and organic molecules. Resources and Further Reading Campbell, Neil A., et al. Biology. 8th ed., Pearson, 2008.Kelly, Donovan P., and Ann P. Wood. â€Å"The Chemolithotrophic Prokaryotes.† The Prokaryotes, edited by Martin Dworkin, et al., 2006, pp. 441-456.Schlegel, H.G. â€Å"Mechanisms of Chemo-Autotrophy.† Marine Ecology: a Comprehensive, Integrated Treatise on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters, edited by Otto Kinne, Wiley, 1975, pp. 9-60.Somero, Gn. â€Å"Symbiotic Exploitation of Hydrogen Sulfide.† Physiology, vol. 2, no. 1, 1987, pp. 3-6.

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Training

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Training The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) credential is usually the first Microsoft title earned by certification seekers– but it’s not for everybody. Here’s what you need to know: MCP Is the Easiest Microsoft Credential to Obtain The MCP title only requires passing a single test, normally an operating system test like Windows XP or Windows Vista. That means it takes the least amount of time and money to get.That does not mean, however, that it’s a breeze. Microsoft tests a lot of knowledge, and it will be difficult to pass the exam without some time in a helpdesk or network environment. The MCP Is for Those Who Want to Work on Windows Networks There are other Microsoft certifications for those who want to work in other areas of IT: for example, databases (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator – MCDBA), software development (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer – MCSD) or high-level infrastructure design (Microsoft Certified Architect – MCA).If your goal is to work with Windows servers, Windows-based PCs, end users and other aspects of a Windows network, this is the place to start. Gateway to Higher-Level Certifications The MCP is often the first stop on the road to the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) credentials. But it does not have to be. Plenty of folks are happy to get the single certification and have no need, or desire, to move up. But the upgrade path to the MCSA and MCSE is easy, since the test you have to pass will count toward the other titles.Since the MCSA requires passing four tests, and the MCSE takes seven, getting the MCP will a) Get you that much closer to your goal and b) Help you decide if this type of certification, and career, is for you. It Leads Most Often to an Entry-Level Job Hiring managers often look for MCPs to work on a corporate helpdesk. MCPs also find jobs in call centers, or as first-tier support technicians. In other words, it’s a foot in the door to a good IT career. Don’t expect IBM to hire you as a system administrator after waving your MCP paper in someone’s face.Especially in a tough economy, IT jobs can be scarce. But having a Microsoft certification on your resume can help give you an edge over non-certified candidates. A prospective employer knows you have a base level of knowledge, and the drive to gain knowledge of your prospective, or current, field. The Average Pay Is High According to the latest salary survey by respected website mcpmag.com, an MCP can expect a salary of around $70,000. That’s not bad at all for a single-test certification.Keep in mind that those figures take many factors into account, including years of experience, geographic location and other certifications. If you’re a career-changer and getting your first job in IT, your salary will quite likely be substantially less than that.Consider all these factors when deciding whether or not to go for the MCP title. MCPs are well-respected in IT shops, and have skills that can help them on their way to lucrative, satisfying careers.

Social effects of hurricane Katrina in the Gulf region Essay

Social effects of hurricane Katrina in the Gulf region - Essay Example Social effects of hurricane Katrina in the Gulf region Research suggests Hurricane Katrina negatively impacted the Gulf region because it led to loss of lives, civil disturbances, and property damages. This included the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq in a type of political revenge attack against the terrorist activity led by Osama bin Laden. The hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in one of the worst times for America in Iraq, when the opposition attacks were at their strongest. The failure of the American government to help its own people in the aftermath of the hurricane contrasted sharply with the political rhetoric of the Bush administration, exposing its hypocrisy internationally on truly humanitarian and vital issues of domestic security. From this point on, the Bush administration would lose whatever political authority and respect it retained in America, eventually ending in the election of President Obama in the 2008 election. It is important to recognize how Hurricane Katrina eroded the political authority of the Bush administr ation at a time when it was conducting two unpopular political wars abroad. The symbolic effect of the images broadcast internationally displayed America as no different from the â€Å"Third World† nations that it perennially derides and rejects in building its political myth of superiority. The public, both domestically in America and internationally in civil society, are aware of the duality between the ideals proclaimed by the political leadership in America, and the actual actions taken by authority. For example, in talking about peace and justice, the U.S. administration at the time was practicing torture, extraordinary rendition, and other forms of illegal detention such as in undisclosed, secret prisons and Guantanamo Bay. This is a hypocritical stance in many ways, despite the way that it was posited by the Bush administration under the rhetoric of Homeland Security and public safety. What Katrina did is publicly expose the hypocrisy in this rhetoric to full internati onal view, showing that the Bush administration really was not concerned with people’s safety, health, and welfare at all, especially if they were not in a wealthy, Wall St. constituency. Thus, the first major effect of the Katrina disaster was to erode the public authority of the Bush administration and to associate it publicly with hypocrisy. (Brinkley, 2007). This result is quite important as the theme carried over into the 2008 Presidential election and led to the election of Barrack Obama and a Democratic majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. As a political symbol, Katrina showed the dichotomy between rich and poor in America, and how those in positions of power are more likely to be serving their own interests rather than that of the public good or public need. This is important as it creates a type of despair popularly, a political vacuum of sorts that the â€Å"hope and change† mantra of the Obama administration capitalized on in 2008. F rom this it is legitimate to conclude that Hurricane Katrina caused a major change in political perceptions in America, and that this included a loss of faith in the ability of the government to provide services in an emergency situation. (Brown, 2005) Consider the vast destruction and number of deaths and injuries that took place in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and it is evident that this is precisely a situation where the

Conducting A Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5500 words

Conducting A Strategic Management - Essay Example These entrepreneurs are very crucial factors for economic growth and development as they lead the entire society to the future growth and prospects. Every successful entrepreneur is having some distinct features but there are certain common qualities that must be present in each entrepreneur. Many scholars and researchers have studied the nature and traits of entrepreneurs and they have identified a number of such skills. However, some of the essential traits are leadership, initiatives, planner, risk bearer, opportunity explorer, creative, specific & clear goals etc (Kumar, 2008, p.38-39). There are a number of role models of an ideal entrepreneurs can be found from the past and present evidences. Some of the very popular and successful entrepreneurs are like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Walt Disney, Rupert Murdoch etc and many more. These people have set examples before emerging entrepreneurs and they are also great source of motivation for the society. Some of the comm on qualities in these entrepreneurs are that; they are good planners, they innovative and creative; and they have brought multiple social benefits through their innovation. In the process of starting a new venture, planning is the second most important task after generating a viable and feasible business idea. Success rate of new start-up venture is quite low. The following data shows the survival rate of new venture within one year. Figure 1: One Year Survival Rates by Firm Size (Source: Timmons and Spinelli, 2009, p.86) Considering the above table, a new business is always exposed to multiple risks, and as due to its vulnerable nature it becomes very difficult to cope with the existing competitive business environment. Therefore, before establishing a new venture, it necessary to develop a realistic and effective business plans. A business plan includes a detailed projection of the business consisting of marketing plan, operational plan, human resource plan and financial plan etc. For enhancing the probability of the success rate all these planning must be logical and feasible. In this process, it becomes very necessary to conduct the preliminary research tasks to explore the opportunities and identify expected threats. Moreover, business plan is also required for many purposes. Firstly, a new business venture requires a significant amount of capital and its major sources are prospective investors and creditor s. A comprehensive and effective business plan also includes the financial projection like future income and financial growth etc and it helps to attract investors and creditors. Secondly, it also helps in acquiring legal licenses as it described the nature of business and its environmental impact. Thirdly, a detailed business plan is required for risk management (Covello and Hazelgren, 2006, p.21-24). Before preparing a business plan it is necessary to analyse the market and economic condition based to the business idea. This paper will attempt to present market research for starting the new venture and will also present financial

William Goldings Lord of the Flies :: Essays Papers

LORD OF THE FLIES My report is about the very well known book "Lord of the flies", by William Golding. There are many characters in this book, but the most important ones are Ralph, Jack, Simon, Piggy, and Roger. When I read this book I discovered a great change in most of their personalities, especially Jack's. So I would say that they are all dynamic characters. Ralph, in the beginning of the novel, had a boyish personality. Then later on in the novel, he became much more mature due to the fact that all of them had to live in a more civilized manner to get a long and to survive while waiting to be rescued. Jack, in the beginning of the novel was Ralph's most powerful antagonist. Then later on turned against Ralph and becomes leader. Simon is a unique character in the novel. He remains largely uninvolved with any of the power struggles between Ralph and Jack. He was killed. Roger is very mean. He killed Piggy by pushing a big bolder on top of him. Piggy was the intellectual in the group. He complained a lot in the beginning, but later on became more mature. But, unfortunately, he was killed by Roger. The novel begins about a group of English people who are marooned on a tropical island when the plane evacuating them from atomic war-torn England crashes. So now this group of boys are alone on this island. Then Ralph called an assembly to talk to the other guys about making a plan to get along and survive. The struggle starts in trying to make rules for the group to live by. There were many more conflicts through out the novel. But the main conflict is the boys trying to get along with each other and survive while waiting to be rescued from a

Desert Economy Struggling To Stay Afloat Essay

When America’s economy fell into a recession in 2008, it took down mexico along with it. America is by far the largest buyer of Mexican products, last year alone doing $400 billion in business. The Economist article, â€Å"Making The Desert Bloom,† brings to light the condition that Mexico’s economy is currently in, restricted by cartels, monopolies and its unfortunate situation with America. When stocks plummeted and jobs were lost in america, Mexico’s economy as a whole fell by 6.1%, the northern state of Coahuila getting hit the worst with a drop of 12.3%. Until the recession, Mexico was on schedule to have a reasonable decade but with personal income growth now at only 0.6% , some of the worst in the world, it doesn’t look promising. Mexico’s unemployment rate peaked at 6.4% in 2009 and is only slowly getting better. The foundation of Mexico’s economy is based on its exports. With americans share of Mexico’s exports falling from 89% to 78% and expecting to get worse, mexico has a problem on their hands. At the beginning of the decade, Mexico claimed the largest Latin American economy but since has been over taken by brazil with a GDP grow to more then 2 times that of Mexico’s. In 2010, the murder rate was 17 out of every 100,000 people, expected to cause a 1% drop in Mexico’s annual growth rate. Foreign direct investment has fall from $30 billion to just half that over the last 5 years. With so many problems limiting Mexico’s potential, the country needs to get everything in order to to revive itself from the current recession. Mexico has been hit by the steepest recession of any latin american country. A recession can be explained by a significant decline in activity across the economy effecting in industrial production, employment, income and trade. Between 2008 and 2009, 700,000 jobs were lost in Mexico. In certain parts, 4 in 10 business shut down. The head of economic planning in Mexico’s fiancee ministry, Miguel Messmacher, has seen a major shift in the direction of exports out of his country. Sales to latin America and asia are growing twice as fast as those to America. Mexico’s largest export is the automotive industry, although its exports to America make up only 65%. Eduardo soils head of the industry’s national association thinks this is a good sign because it always Mexico to establish markets in other countries, opening up more opportunities. His goal is to get it down to 50%. Others argue that Mexico can not become a â€Å"commodity exporter.† just because countries like china have a demand for soy beans, doesn’t mean that Mexico should start growing and export this product. They believe the economic future still lies in America’s economy. They way out of the recession is to gain a bigger piece of America’s slowly growing economy.

Should Marijuana Be Legal For Medical Purposes - 1796 Words

Marijuana has shown itself and its derivatives to be profoundly successful in treating a multitude of diseases, their symptoms or side effects of their treatments. Marijuana should be reclassified from Schedule 1 agent and more studies done into the other possible medical uses for this drug. Opposition to the idea of making medical marijuana legal argue that the drug is dangerous. It can’t be more dangerous than the opioids and other more dangerous drugs already available by prescription. In states where medical marijuana is legal, the statistics of drug overdose deaths have dropped as much as twenty-five percent. Patients are suffering, a possible solution to that suffering is available; let’s make medical marijuana legal. Marijuana†¦show more content†¦While chemo induced vomiting is often responsive to current medications, nausea can be resistant to the available drugs. As this type of nausea can be long lasting and pervasive it sometimes reaches levels that causes patients to end lifesaving chemo treatments (Parker et al., 2011). If medical marijuana enables one patient to continue these lifesaving treatments, where existing medications cannot; legalization is justified. What could be more heart rending than watching a child suffer the severe pain and side effects of cancer and its treatments? In Israel, children aged three to thirteen were given a small dose of an edible oil made from the THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, extracted from the resin of cannabis. The drug was administered two hours before undergoing chemotherapy, continuing every six hours for twenty-four hours. Vomiting was completely eliminated. Two patients exhibited mild irritability (Abrahamov, Abrahamov, Mechoulam, 1995). What parent can hold their sick child knowing a treatment option exists, but is illegal to obtain, and not demand that things change? Data suggests cannabis and its derivatives are not only successful in treating the side effects of chemotherapy, it may play a role in cell survival or death in the human body influenced by the dosing levels (Guzmà ¡n, Sanchez,