EXERCISE 8

1. Cite at least 3 application of Polymers in Civil/ Computer Engineering

Answer :

As we know, polymers provide huge opportunities for the advancement of materials research, the
improvement of material property, and the strengthening of structures damaged. In this respect, recent
developments about polymer composites and their technological developments in civil engineering are
mentioned.

*Other studies are concerned with latex polymer cementitious composites (LCCs), for example,
polypropylene fibers used in cementitious composites containing nanosilica and styrene butadiene latex
polymer, where the addition of nanosilica significantly affected the bond strength and interfacial
toughness between macro-PP fiber and cementitious composites.

*Synthesis of polymers for stabilization of minerals, for example, synthesis of high molecular weight
polyacrylamide (PAM) and its application as sand stabilizer: the results showed that the use of high
molecular weight polymer gave excellent mechanical and thermal stability to the polymer-sand
composite.

*The use of high performance composite fibers allows for the improvement of the mechanical properties
of cement composites, which are determined predominantly by the interface properties between the fiber
and cementitious matrix.

2. Sickle Cell anemia is a hereditary disease. Describe the disease and why is it called a
molecular disease?

Answer :

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited red blood cell disorder in which there aren't enough healthy red
blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. Normally, the flexible, round red
blood cells move easily through blood vessels. Sickle Cell Anemia is called as Molecular
Disease because it disorders the Hemoglobin Molecules(red pigment useful in transport of
oxygen)

3. DNA Fingerprinting has become an indispensable tool of law enforcement. How was this
discovered? Describe the procedure for obtaining a DNA fingerprinting.

Answer :

DNA fingerprinting was invented in 1984 by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys after he realised you
could detect variations in human DNA, in the form of these minisatellites. DNA fingerprinting is
a technique that simultaneously detects lots of mini satellites in the genome to produce a pattern
unique to an individual
There are seven procedure for obtaining DNA fingerprinting
1. Extracting the DNA from cells.
2. Cutting up the DNA using an enzyme.
3. Separating the DNA fragments on a gel.
4. Transferring the DNA onto paper.
5. Adding the radioactive probe.
6. Setting up the X-ray film.
7. Yes - we've got the result!