The document discusses the biodegradation process carried out by microbes, particularly in specific temperature ranges and in the presence of organic matter, releasing heat and gases. It provides degradation timelines for various materials, noting how long items like plastic bags, paper, and orange peels take to decompose. Additionally, it highlights the role of microbes in processing xenobiotic compounds released by industries, along with methods of chemical modification and genetic material utilization.

1. Describe BIODEGRADATION b.stev

3. these microbes grow in 10-35 o C + H2O + decaying organic matter the process gives off : heat + gases

4. (Wikipedia, 2008)

5. (Wikipedia, 2008)

6. (Wikipedia, 2008)

9. How long do some common things take to degrade? Tetrapaks 1-5 yrs 75 days for a Biodegradable Plastic Bag OR Paper & Styrofoam Cups Plastic Bags 10/20yrs Orange Peels 1 month Cotton rags 1-5 mth Paper 2-5 mth (Wikipedia, 2008)

10. XENOBIOTIC COMPOUNDS Industry releases many chemicals, these are often utilised by microbes dioxins from chlorine bleaching human hormones near sewage pipe s (Wikipedia, 2008)

11. Chlorobenzenes 2,4dichlorophenoxyacetic acid Nitroaromatic compounds Chloroalkanes Herbicide Atrazene can ALL sustain microbial processes

12. MODIFICATION : the chemical is altered for processes CONJUGATION : use is made of any genetic material EXCRETION : disposing of unwanted material a 3 phase process

14. Bibliography Pollution Issues. (2007) . Biodegradation . Retrieved September 8, 2008, from http//: www.pollutionissues.com/A- Bo/ Biodegradation .html Wikipedia. (2008). Biodegradation – wikipedia , the free encyclopedia . Retrieved September 8, 2008, from http//:www.en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Biodegradable Www.molecular-plant-biotechnology.info. (2008). T ypes of recalcitrant xenobiotic compounds, halocarbons, synthetic . Retrieved September 9, 2008, from http:// www.molecular-plant-biotechnology.info/ environmental-biotechnology/microrganisms-involved-in-aerobic-d igestion.htm