It is the Year 2056 and the first manned crew to land on Mars returned home
Review the module resources and read the scenario to answer the discussion questions.
It is the Year 2056 and the first manned crew to land on Mars returned home after a 15-month round trip including 4 weeks living on Mars. Among their discoveries was a novel bacterium that showed potential in consuming all kinds of plastic which could help eliminate the harmful impact plastic disposal has on Earth’s ecosystem. After careful testing and engineering, the bacterium was viewed as a viable and cost-efficient means of plastic pollution control and fully utilized by the waste disposal industry.
Fifty years later, an epidemic ravaged the world in which a variant of this bacterium was discovered to be the cause. Most common symptoms included dysentery, fever, and general malaise; however, twenty percent of the general population developed severe rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition that breaks down muscle.
You are part of a group of representatives from the CDC fielding questions in a special Congressional hearing. One Senator looks at you and asks, “How can a plastic-eating bacteria turn into a muscle-eating bacteria? Why are only humans being affected?”
Answer the Senator’s questions.
How can a plastic-eating bacteria turn into a muscle-eating bacteria?
Why are only humans being affected?
Use your imagination to develop a plausible scenario using the microbial genetics you have learned this week. Make sure you can explain and justify your reasoning.
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