Writing Prompts
(Choose One)
Prompt 1
The agricultural industry largely relies on synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and antibiotics to meet growing food demands. However, many of these treatments contain active chemical compounds that are damaging to the environment and pose health risks to plants, animals, and humans. In 600-750 words, highlight one of these treatments and explore a potential alternative. In your essay, identify the active chemical compound, describe the chemical interactions that harm the environment, and explain how the alternative avoids damage or works differently chemically.
Prompt 2
A “natural product” is any chemical compound or substance produced by a living organism (i.e. plants, animals, and microorganisms). These compounds often have biological activity, which is why they’re important in pharmacology, medicine, and biochemistry. Some notable examples include the antibiotic penicillin which was derived from fungi and the pain reliever ziconotide which was developed from cone snail venom. Select one drug or therapy and in 600-750 words explore its natural product origins, biomedical development, and future applications.
Prompt 3
Food additives are chemical compounds that are commonly added during food production to preserve flavor, extend shelf life, or alter sweetness and texture. These compounds play an important role in the modern food industry, and also reflect fascinating applications of chemistry in everyday life. Some examples include sodium benzoate as a preservative and aspartame as a low-calorie sweetener. In 600–750 words, select one food additive and explore how its chemical properties function in food and potential health impacts.
Requirements
- Word Limit: 600-750 words
- Please write your essay in Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double-spaced.
- You must include at least one citation in ACS style. Click Link for details on how to cite a source using the ACS format.