Learning English

Enzyme could break down plastic

British and American scientists have found an enzyme on a Japanese recycling plant that they believe could help in the fight against plastic pollution. Dan and Catherine bring you the language you need to talk about this story.

Language challenge

Scientists have created a protein that can break down plastic. Break down is a verb with many meanings. Which of the following is NOT a meaning of break down?

a) stop working or functioning
b) lose control of one’s feelings
c) suddenly begin something
d) separate into component parts

Watch the video and complete the activity

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The story

US and British scientists have created a plastic-digesting enzyme that can help in the fight against plastic pollution. They’ve made an improved version of a natural enzyme that’s evolved the ability to feed on plastic.

Tests show that the new engineered protein could break down one of the most popular forms of plastic widely used by the food and drinks industry.

Key words and phrases

inadvertently
unintentionally

devour
eat eagerly

usher in
(here) cause an activity or process to start

To do

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Language challenge - answer

c) suddenly begin something

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