Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolates by genetic manipulations, can be used for treating oil spills?
- AAgrobacterium
- BClostridium
- CNitrosomonas
- DPseudomonasCorrect
Explanation
The correct answer is D because Pseudomonas putida is a genetically engineered bacterium specifically designed to break down various components of crude oil. Often referred to as the Superbug, it was developed by the Indian American scientist Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty.
This bacterial strain is effective in treating oil spills because it can digest complex hydrocarbons, converting them into harmless substances like water and carbon dioxide. While the other bacteria listed have different roles, such as nitrogen fixation or soil processes, only Pseudomonas has been uniquely modified and utilized for large scale oil bioremediation.
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