1. Biodiversity and classification of micro-organisms

1. Core Content

Biodiversity

• Microorganisms: basic structure and general characteristics of the following groups (links with Grade 9 and 10):

- viruses

- bacteria

- protista

- fungi.

(Macroscopic organisms in the protista and fungi should only be mentioned - not studied in any detail)

• Mention of the roles that these groups play in maintaining balance in the environment and web of life.

• Symbiotic relationships, including, nitrogen fixing bacteria in plants and E.Coli in the human intestine (link with Grade 10).

• The effect and management of one disease from each of the four groups:

- viruses (rabies, HIV/AIDS, influenza)

- bacteria (blight, cholera, tuberculosis, anthrax)

- protists (malaria)

- fungi (rusts, thrush, ringworm, athlete’s foot).

• Immunity, including plants and animals’ immune responses of against the infecting microorganism

Vaccinations (briefly).

• The use of drugs, e.g., antibiotics; effect on microorganisms

• The use of microorganisms to produce medicines (e.g., insulin and antibiotics).

• Traditional technology to produce, e.g., beer, wine and cheese.

3. Relevant video resources