Question

An oil tanker is leaking, causing hundreds of gallons of oil to spill into the ocean. Special bacteria are sprinkled on the oil to digest it. This is an example of ____________.
a. Saprophytic bacteria
b. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria
c. Genetically engineered bacteria
d. Pathogenic bacteria

Answer 1

Genetically-engineered bacteria are sprinkled on the oil to digest it.

Explanation:

Genetically engineered or modified microorganisms (GEM or GMO) like bacteria are engaged to digest oil spills through the process called bioremediation.

The enzymatic action of these specialized bacteria to degrade or decompose and remove harmful environmental contaminants. When a leakage occurs in a oil tanker, all the gallons of oil stored in it are leaded into the ocean which poses a very huge danger for the marine environment and to all the biotic factors including humans who are dependent on the marine environment.

Removing the oil spill from the ocean waters is very tough and utilizing such novel technology will be very useful. Bacteria like Alcanivorax, Methylocella are commonly engaged to remove oil spills. These bacteria acts by breaking the hydrocarbon bonds of the oil and will digest and clean the oil spill.