Question

Petroleum-lysing bacteria are being engineering for the removal of oil spills. What is the most realistic danger of these bacteria to the environment?

• A. Mutations leading to the production of a strain pathogenic to humans
• B. Extinction of natural microbes due to the competitive advantage of the “petro-bacterium”
• C. Destruction of natural oil deposits
• D. Poisoning of the food chain

Answer 1

The correct option is C Destruction of natural oil deposits

Petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria are ubiquitous in nature and can utilize these compounds as the sources of carbon and energy. Bacteria displaying such capabilities are often exploited for the bioremediation of petroleum oil-contaminated environments. At the same time, these bacteria has the capability to destroy natural oil deposition.