Question

Suppose that geneticists developed a strain of bacteria that breaks down polyethylene, an otherwise non biodegradable plastic. How would such bacteria be useful? Do you foresee any dangers from these new bacteria?

Answer 1

Polyethylene is a widely used substance for manufacturing plastic. A bacteria like that could "eat" plastic garbage made from polyethelene which would be really helpful. The danger is that a bacteria can't differentiate between junk and useful things made out of PE, so they would eat everything made from it.