Biogeographic Priming (IMAGE) University of California - Santa Barbara Caption The amount of pentadecane cycling through the oceans dwarfs the input of hydrocarbons from oil. However, the microbes involved in the pentadecane cycle are unlikely to be able to handle the chemical complexity of hydrocarbons from oil. Credit David Valentine Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.