Extra: Borrowing from Biology — Nature's Nanotechnology

When it comes to molecular manufacturing, why not turn to a real expert for advice? Nature's been making nano-size machines since life on earth began. With that kind of experience, maybe it can teach us a thing or two about making machines one millionth of a millimeter in size.

Machinery that is small needs motors and gears that are even smaller. Nanotechnologists are just starting to tackle that problem, but nature solved it a long time ago. Flagella are corkscrew-shaped propellers that transport bacteria like tiny motorboats. The long, stringy flagella, connected to a hook structure, fit over a rod that rotates inside a ring attached to the bacterium. As the rod rotates, the flagella twirl around, pushing water down and behind them to thrust the bacterium forward. The motion is a lot like the scooping one your hand makes while you're swimming.

Liposomes are an example of man-made machines copied from nature. Many cancer-fighting drugs are great at killing cancer cells, but are toxic to healthy cells, too. Liposomes are bubbles of fat that can be loaded with drugs and injected into patients. Because they're similar to the fatty membrane that surrounds all cells, they sneak by the body's defenses. The fat layer keeps the drugs from spreading all over healthy cells and holds them safely inside the bubble until it reaches the disease site. Then, if designed properly, the liposomes self-destruct and release the drug where it does the most good — and the least harm.

1. What is Nanotechnology?
2. What is the name of the nano structure that allows some cells to move?
3. What are liposomes and what are they used for?
4. Watch this video of an example of a liposome made by LivonLabs  and explain how it works. See video in YouTube
   
5. A cell is the basic unit that makes up living things. Scientists are designing nanotechnologies that will enter a cell and cause a specific thing to happen. Do you think a nanotechnology that could enter a cell and affect its function might be effective in treating certain diseases, such as cancer? Why or why not? Write a short paragraph answering whether or not you think nanotechnologies could be useful.

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