Could a genetically modified coral polyp be used as a pathogen?

Is this even remotely possible?

Source

Outline:

1. Coral Polyps (along with their copious Calcium Carbonate excretions) are the individual organisms that make up the super-organism we identify as coral.
2. They reproduce by budding asexually to form one coral structure.
3. However, at certain times they release eggs and sperm into the water to float away and create more coral structures.(some exceptions)
4. To feed, they usually open up their tentacles and wait for prey animals to run into them, this is when they release harpoon like barbs from tiny structures called nematocysts, which release toxins into the prey and firmly holds it in place.
5. Many also have a symbiotic relationship with photosynthesizing algae

Thoughts:

First of all, the Polyps don't really need to have an efficient way of spreading themselves, their helpful human friends from Evil Inc. will be assisting them with this. They therefore only need to be able to survive when injected directly into the human bloodstream, and be dramatic about it, if possible. It should eventually be lethal, as well: the more gruesome the death, the better!

posted almost 7 years ago

Hsasaradd Tsinthos‭

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