When I study the biological system, I am frequently amazed by how similar it is to our lives. Many people believe that we, as humans, are special in nature but my study always convinces me that we are a part of nature and we are controlled by natural laws. I want to share one of lessons I learnt from my biological studies by presenting two examples.

Botulinum Toxin, more widely known as “Botox” in cosmetic surgeries, is a highly toxic protein produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Just one gram of Botulinum Toxin can kill the whole population of a city. It is a toxin that could potentially be used for bioterrorism. In our body, neuron cells need to release a chemical called acetylcholine to transfer their signals. Botulinum toxin interferes in the release of acetylcholine and eventually blocks all signal transmissions throughout the nervous system. The operation of all the muscles in the body, including the beating of the heart and breathing, completely depends on neuron signals. Therefore, a victim poisoned by Botulinum Toxin could die. However, in everyday life, this life-threatening toxin is used as a medicine for plastic surgery. By using only 3.6% of the amount considered lethal, the muscles around wrinkles relax and disappear without threatening lives.

In my laboratory, the BioResouces lab in the Department of Forest Products and Biotechnology, we study the digestive system of termites. Termites are pests that damage wood materials such as paper, furniture, and houses. It consumes cellulose and digests it efficiently, which is an incredible feat. This efficient cellulose degradation system found in termites is a result of evolutional pressure in nature and is called “the smallest fermenter in the world”. Why is the degradation of cellulose so important? The heavy use of fossil fuels has caused severe environmental damages such as global warming, air pollution, oil spills, and more. But above all, fossil fuels are running out. Scientists have continuously and are still searching for alternative resources, such as nuclear power, biomaterials, solar power, wind power, and many other sources. But biomaterials are undoubtedly unique resources which provide the two things produced by fossil fuels; energy and chemical compounds. One example of these chemical compounds is plastic. Therefore, biomaterials are the inevitable and essential resources for our future civilization. In the beginning of bioenergy production, starch was used just like in traditional alcohol fermentation. But starch is also needed as food and cannot satisfy the tremendous energy demand. One of the most ideal resources is cellulose, a polymer of glucose just like starch but with a hard structure to break down grass and wood. Termites are a model for breaking down cellulose efficiently and in the most ecofriendly way. By studying the cellulose digestive system of termites, we can learn the wisdom of nature and secure future energy and chemical resources.

We always ask ourselves ‘who am I?’ and ‘who do I want to be?’ Making money, promoting and maintaining our social status, keeping good relationships with other people, and pursuing happiness are generally what make up our lives. To achieve these, we consider ‘what we want to have’, ‘who do we want to be’, ‘what do we like’ (or ‘whom do we like), and ‘what is the purpose of our lives’. All these considerations focus on WHO and WHAT too much. But like “Botox” and termites stories, HOW, WHEN, WHERE, and WHY can change the nature of WHO and WHAT from being harmful to beneficial. Developing your ability as students in college is important to becoming who you are, but you also need to consider ‘how I should do something’, ‘when I should do that something’, ‘where I should be at the moment’, and ‘why I should do this’. Without considering these questions, your excellent ability may just become a misfortune for other people and even for yourself.

bigbell@kookmin.ac.kr