Converting Renewable Biomass into Fuel to Reduce Our Need to Import

question 50

Multiple Choice

Converting renewable biomass into fuel to reduce our need to import petroleum and release carbon dioxide from fossil fuels is a great idea. But, to be viable, the process must be cost-effective, not subsidized by taxpayer support, and not reduce our supply of food! It also must be recognized that the amount of energy produced through biomass conversion will always be small compared to our total needs. In any case, Professor Popsnorkle's research students at PC University have projects dealing with these issues. Amy's project deals with $\alpha$ -glucoside hydrolysis of starches, and Brad's project deals with $\beta$ -glucoside hydrolysis of cellulose. What do you see as the value of these projects and why?

• A) Amy's is more valuable because improving the efficiency of starch hydrolysis will increase the effectiveness of our edible corn for fuel program and reduce the need for taxpayer subsidies.
• B) Brad's is more valuable because the hydrolysis of cellulose, which is not edible, to produce glucose and ethanol currently is not economically viable.
• C) Both are valuable because anything we can do along these lines merits equitable support.
• D) Neither is valuable because these ideas are promoted only to enrich farmers in the Midwest.
• E) I have a neutral position on the value of these projects because I do not know enough about these issues.

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Definitions:

Splenic Artery

The blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the spleen, branching from the abdominal aorta.

Pancreas

An organ in the abdomen involved in the digestion process and blood sugar regulation, producing digestive enzymes and insulin.

Distributing Arteries

Arteries that branch from larger arteries to distribute blood to various parts of the body.

Muscular Arteries

Arteries that deliver blood from the heart to specific organs, characterized by a thick tunica media with smooth muscle for regulating blood flow.