Abstract
This paper focuses its research on the carnivorous plant family Droseraceae, or sundews, and covers topics such as morphology, phylogeny, anatomy, and behavior. The paper gives an detailed overview of each branch of the sundew family, noting that the popular plants can be purchased for home and commercial cultivation, where one of the most common uses is as a natural fly-catcher. The paper discusses theories about how the Droseraceae family has developed over time, including the evolutionary theory relating the four genera - Drosophyllum, Drosera, Dionaea, and Aldrovanda. This paper includes illustrative diagrams.

Outline:
Overview
Environment
Conservation
Life Cycle
Trapping Mechanisms
Evolutionary History
In Culture and Economics

From the Paper
"In popular American culture, some references have been made to Droseraceae, especially Dionaea. The science fiction series The Twilight Zone featured an episode in which an alien, man-eating Venus flytrap named Audrey fed on potential customers. The episode later inspired an 80's musical in which an expressive, hungry Audrey II grows on the blood of the protagonist played by Rick Moranis. Much like The Twilight Zone episode, Audrey II eventually grows to the size of an elephant and attempts to consume the lead characters. In the video game Super Mario Brothers, a frequently encountered antagonist called a "piranha plant" dwells in pipe obstacles. It too resembles Dionaea and tries to eat the protagonist."

Tags:biology, report, science, plant, genus, family, venus, flytrap, waterwheel, slobbering, pine, morphology, evolution, genera

Abstract
This paper discusses the Venus Fly Trap, a rare carnivorous plant that feeds on living matter rather than through the process of photosynthesis like other plants. It examines specific aspects of the plant, such as its closing mechanism and evolutionary tree, and identifies the value of the plant to pharmaceuticals and health care and its adaptation to other geographical areas, such as the bottom of the sea.

From the Paper
"In fact, it is becoming increasingly difficult to learn about the Venus flytrap in the wild due to decreasing numbers. According to Stiefel in "Meat-Eating Plants" in Science World (2000), the plants are solely found in the Savannah's of North and South Carolina in an approximate radius of only 60 to 75 miles. Measuring just 4 to 12 inches in height, they are often stolen by human predators to sell on the market for a couple of dollars. The heavy fines do not dissuade them: North Carolina now levies tickets of up to $2,000 for poaching the plant! Venus flytraps are a federal species of concern (FSC)--a species that may or may not be listed in the future. They are not endangered or threatened, but entitled to regulatory protection because their exploitation could get them to the endangered-threatened stage. In addition, around the world the natural wetland habitats of the all the carnivore plants have been systematically drained to erect shopping malls and housing developments. Almost 90 percent of carnivorous plants indigenous to the U.S. have been eradicated because only 3 to 5 percent of their swampy habitat still remains."

Tags:dionaea, muscipula, meat, eating

Abstract
This paper examines the Venus Fly Trap, or the Dionaea muscipula, which was first found in the savannahs of the Carolinas and is classified in the division of Magnoliophyta, the class of Magnoliopsida, the order of Nepenthalesniales, and the family of Droseraceae. It describes its many interesting traits and characteristics, such as its physical makeup, its methods of capture and ingestion and the effect of fire on its growth. It also provides information on how to take care of a Venus Fly Trap in your own home.

From the Paper
"The venus fly trap's most interesting feature is its process of feeding. The leaves of the plant are in fact traps for insects to fall into; the inside of the leaf is colored red and a scent is secreted, both of which attract insects to the plant. Also on the inside of the leaves are small hairs which sense the presence of something inside the trap. When the hairs are touched twice (two touches are necessary in order to avoid unnecessary closings from rain droplets and the like), the leaves close in on the insect inside. Once enclosed, the plant covers the insect in digestive fluid and breaks it down in order to absorb the nutrients contained in the insect."

Tags:leaves, feeding, capture, fire, dionaea, muscipula

Abstract
This paper discusses how genetic engineering (GE) has made it possible to alleviate food shortages by inducing viral resistance in plants. Since the discovery and development of genetic engineering methods, many strategies for introducing viral resistance into crop plants have been researched and implemented, and several are described. The author explains how both pathogen-derived resistance (PDR) and non-PDR methods show great promise for the future; crop yields of many different plants throughout the world can potentially benefit from GE technology. Papaya and potato are only two of a large number of food-producing plants that have already been engineered successfully, and more successes will certainly follow in future years.

Outline:
Introduction
Background of Genetic Engineering in Plants
Pathogen-Derived Resistance
Non-Pathogen-Derived Resistance
Using Genetic Engineering to Confer Viral Resistance
Genetically Engineered Resistance Strategies
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Previous to the rise of genetic engineering, plant breeders had to rely on traditional methods of selecting for viral resistance in plants. This was a time-consuming and imprecise process; the development of transgene technology has allowed this to become a much more exact and effective science. While methods of introducing resistance into plants are advancing almost daily, there are a few solid methods that have been used consistently since their discovery, including coat-protein mediated resistance (CPMR), post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS), ribosomal inactivating proteins, and resistance (R) genes. These differing methods can confer different types of resistance (e.g. against broad or narrow ranges of viruses) and are often chosen depending on which type of virus is being targeted (Dasgupta et al. 2003)."

Tags:biosafety, gene pyramiding, heteroencapsidation transgenic insertion promoter avr genome

Abstract
This paper examines the environmental problems that occur due to emissions from coal-fired power plants. The paper focuses on the older power plants in the Great Lakes region. The paper discusses the problem and explores solutions to rectify the situation. The paper contends that, despite pollution issues, there are many reasons to support coal-fired power plants, and therefore, the most promising solution involves tighter regulation of coal-fired power plants, particularly reducing the pollution caused by older plants, such as those in the Great Lakes area.

From the Paper
"Out of the entire electric industry, coal-fired power plants contribute 96% of sulfur dioxide emissions, 93% of nitrogen oxide emissions, 88% of carbon dioxide emissions, and 99% of mercury emissions (Dirty coal power). Today, there are fish consumption advisories for mercury contamination in 45 states and 20% of American women of childbearing age have levels of mercury that exceed what is considered safe for a fetus (Mercury from coal-fired power plants). Coal-fired power plants is responsible for over 90% of mercury contamination in the Great Lakes (Gluckman, 2004) Further, EPA studies reveal that air pollution from coal-fired power plants triggers asthma attacks, bronchitis, and heart disease, and contributes to about 30,000 premature deaths a year (New source review/ coal-fired power plants)."

Tags:mercury, emissions, pollution

Abstract
This paper gives an overview of genetic engineering in plants that is geared toward inducing virus resistance. Several methods of achieving viral resistance in plants through genetic engineering are detailed, as well as considerations of using these methods. Methods covered include post-transcriptional gene silencing, coat-protein-mediated resistance, ribosomal inactivating proteins, resistance genes and plantibodies. The paper also discusses both risks and benefits of using genetic engineering in plants and provides case studies of successful implementation of genetically engineered virus resistance in crop plants such as papaya and potato.

From the Paper
"As the upward trend of the human population in the world today continues, the demand for sufficient food sources continues to grow as well. In undeveloped countries especially, the need for productive and healthy crops that can sustain a growing human population is not always met. In India, China and many African nations where hunger is a very real issue, the problem of food shortages can be greatly exacerbated by plant diseases and viruses, which can kill almost an entire field of crop of an unlucky or unprepared farmer. With the advent of genetic engineering, however, the possibility of creating plants with built-in genetic defenses against such devastating diseases has become very real, and in many cases has already been accomplished. A wide variety of strategies for engineering viral resistance in plants have been developed, and researchers have successfully utilized these strategies in creating plants resistant to papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and potato virus Y (PVY), among others."

Tags:biology, crops, engineering, genetic, CPMR

Abstract
This paper examines the process of extracting essential oils from plants, in particular, Neroli. The author explains the key concerns in this process, the characteristics of the oil and the characteristics of the plant. Noting that citrus plants produce three different oils in different parts of the plant, the author cautions that different methods need to be used to produce the different oils. The paper explains the uses of Neroli and comments on the cost and economic factors governing the price of this essential oil extracted from the bitter orange tree.


Outline:
Characteristics of the Plant
Citrus Oil Production
Citrus Chemistry
References

From the Paper
"Labor is the most costly aspect of Neroli and Orange Blossom Water. However, the market for the products is high and continues to grow, especially as a gourmet food additive. As McMahon points out, there is justification for the argument that higher priced oils are superior in this case, due to shortcuts taken by producers in low priced years. Steam distillation is the preferred method and produces the highest quantity and quality of oils. The hydrosol and oil keep best under refrigeration, as the oils remain volatile in their distilled state."

Tags:essential oils, perfumery distillation

Abstract
This paper compares two technologies, photovoltaic cells and solar thermal power plants, both providing energy from solar radiation, but by different means and in different degrees. It looks at how the photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances and how solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used.

From the Paper
"This report summarizes two related technologies, the photovoltaic cell and the solar thermal power plant, both methods of producing energy from solar radiation. The photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances, and solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry, and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used. Introduction One of the great unknowns in American energy policy remains the extent to which solar energy in its various forms will contribute to the nation's energy supply in the future. After the oil, embargo in 1973, considerable interest was expressed in solar energy as a potential way of producing energy and of reducing dependence on foreign oil. "

Tags:photovoltaic, cell, energy

Abstract
The paper discusses how plants not only provide pleasing scenery but are essential sources of food and oxygen too. The paper describes how the seed develops from an ovule after a fertilization process has taken place. The paper discusses the plant's two organ system; the shoot and the root system. The paper relates that leaves contain the chlorophyll and are the most important part of the plant when it comes to photosynthesis. The paper points out that flowers are not part of every plant, but when they are present they have reproductive organs.

Outline:
Introduction
Structure
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The plant gets its beginnings from a seed. The seed develops from an ovule after a fertilization process has taken place. Plant life begins much in the same way that human life begins. Each seed includes an embryo, a food source and a protective outer coating. It can lay dormant for a period of time before germination occurs (Plant structure
http://www.sparknotes.com/biology/plants/plantstructures/summary.html). The structure of the plant system is very similar to the human system when it comes to the necessary elements for pollination and reproduction."

Tags:pollination, seed, stem, leaves, flower, root

Abstract
This paper examines the spread of invasive plant species, specifically in the United States, and explains the nature of some of these invasive species. The writer discusses how these plants are introduced to the United States, their negative effects on the environment, and methods of control. The The writer also discusses the leading hypothesis for how nonnative plant species become invasive, known as the "escape-from-enemy" hypothesis. The paper concludes that more education and awareness is needed in order to fight these invasive species which have the potential to destroy native ecosystems.

From the Paper
"Invasive plants are a major, if not well understood, threat to ecological stability in the United States if not the world. Some nonnative species that are introduced into a new habitat are entirely innocuous and have no detrimental effects. Others are ill-suited to the new environment and quickly expire. Some, however, are exceptionally well-suited for their new place in the world and quickly overcome all of the native species. The kudzu vine and the zebra mussel are examples of such aggressive, invasive species. Unfortunately for those environmentalists and social agencies interested in preventing the spread of invasive species, the attributes of a successful invasion are not well understood (Wolfe 705). Understanding how nonnative species become invasive must be one of the first priorities in the fight against their spread and the subsequent destruction of ecosystem stability."

Tags:biology, environmnet, agriculturee, cosystem, water, flower, seeds