Termites

1. What is biomimicry?
Biomimicry is when scientists see how life works and imitate or try to copy it for example the termite stomach's ability to break down cellulosic material (parts of the plants we dont eat) into feul.

2. Why are termites a great subject for biomimicry research?
Because right now scientists are trying to copy the microrganisms in their stomach and mass produce them so we can create a more reliable and renewable source of energy.

3. What is an enzyme? What is a catalyst?
An enzyme is a protein that causes a chemical reaction. A catalyst is something that speeds up a process.

4. What is cellulosic material?
Cellulosic material is the parts of the plants that we dont eat.

5. Why would cellulosic ethanol be more sustainable and efficient than biofuels using corn or sugar cane?
Because instead of wasting 80% of that plant we cant take that and turn it into feul. Plus there wont be any shortage of certain foods and we can use the whole plant and nothing is wasted.