Spring 2012 Biotechnology & Biofuels
Essay Final Exam
Name (print large and clearly):
Date:
Hr:
Directions: Do NOT open this packet until instructed to do so. There should be absolutely NO TALKING during the exam
unless you have raised your hand and have been called on by the instructor. Failure to do so will result in one verbal
warning, and then a failed test grade.
Students should sit on opposite sides of the lab tables for this exam. DO NOT sit together on the same side.
This portion of the exam consists entirely of short answer responses. Fully use the space given! The more you write, the
more likely you are to receive a higher grade. Typically, short answers consist of responses with 3 or more parts. Make
sure that you are fully answering each question – do not leave a part of a question unanswered!
For this exam, choose any 3 of the 4 questions to respond to. If you do more than 3, only the first 3 will be graded.
You may use one and only one 3x5” note card with your own handwritten notes. This notecard must stay on the desk in
front of you at all times.
Tips & Hints
Specific examples are always effective when used properly. Vague statements have little value without examples to
support them. If you make a statement, back it up with an example from class, notes, or a reading if possible.
Do not assume that I know you know – explicitly state what you are trying to say. Vague answers never get full credit.
If a question has multiple parts, label these parts in your response. Clearly indicate what you are responding to.
A guess made with common sense could get you more test points than if you leave an answer blank. NEVER leave a
question unfinished if you can help it.
Use the “what, why, how” format – explain what you are talking about, explain why it is necessary, and talk about how it
happens.
Good Luck!
Fermentation is a well understood process that is common and even automated in many industries, including
agriculture. Cellulose is the most abundant organic molecule on the planet and the United States alone has a plentiful
supply of this potential feedstock source.
1) If fermentation is widely used and cellulose is abundant, why aren’t cellulosic biofuels more prevalent?
2) What barriers stand in the way of making cellulosic biofuel more widely available to American consumers?
3) Should cellulosic biofuels grow as a source of transportation energy and why or why not?
Bioprospecting may hold the key to a more efficient and cost-effective production of bioenergy.
1) Define bioprospecting in your own words.
2) Provide a specific example of bioprospecting.
3) Explain how bioprospecting could improve the process of producing cellulosic biofuels.
Synthetic Biology is one of science’s newest areas of research but has great potential for future development.
1) Define Synthetic Biology in your own words.
2) Provide a specific example of a product produced through synthetic biology and how it was created.
3) Explain how synthetic biology could be used to improve the process of producing cellulosic biofuels.
With Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, America could be at a major turning point in the supply and
production of its sources of energy.
1) Describe EISA and its provisions.
2) Explain the impact that EISA could have on renewable energy.
3) Describe what you think America’s energy outlook will be in 2020 and defend your prediction with a rationale that
explains why you think your prediction might occur.