A model for the utility of OME in a bacterial community. Two distinct but compatible populations meet (green and red, left), OME catalyzes OM mixing (yellow cells contain components from red and green cells). The mixed population then transitions towards membrane homeostasis (middle right), in which membrane content from both populations is equally distributed among cells. This integrated population is now larger, more homogenous and better equipped for cooperative behaviors (fruiting body, right). Damage that has occurred to some cells can be repaired by dilution followed by active repair (yellow to light green transition).