Each student must post one (1) substantial initial post as a response to the

discussion question with a minimum of 150 words by Wednesday at 11:59

PM.

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.