Microbes can also evolve enhanced capabilities for degrading oil. One of the most rapid ways this can happen is by horizontal gene transfer (HGT). HGT is a mechanism whereby microbes can share genes with each other—with HGT, a microbe that has the genetic instructions for producing oil-degrading enzymes can transfer copies of those genes to other microbes—even microbes of different species previously incapable of degrading oil components. In this way, microbes that were unable to use oil as a food source acquire that capability. The ability to share genes can greatly promote a local microbial community’s capacity to clean up an oil spill. Although the process is well established, the extent to which it takes place after an oil spill is unknown.” — Microbes & Oil Spills FAQ, published February 17, 2011, American Academy of Microbiology, American Society for Microbiology, Washington, DC; [link to www.asm.org]

More info at [link to blueplague.org]