c1.1 assess some of the effects, both beneficial and harmful, of microorganisms in the environment (e.g., decomposers break down waste, E. coli in water systems poses a severe risk to human health) [AI, C]
c1.2 analyse ethical issues related to the use of microorganisms in biotechnology (e.g., with respect to the use of bacterial insecticides, the patenting of modified microorganisms) [AI, C]
c2.1 use appropriate terminology related to microbiology, including, but not limited to: fission, conjugation, phage, dormancy, morphology, mycelium, spore, pathogen, and plasmid [C]
c2.2 compare and contrast the cell structures of eukaryotes such as fungi, protozoa, and algae [PR, AI]
c2.3 prepare a laboratory culture of microorganisms (e.g., acidophilus) on agar, using proper aseptic techniques [PR]
c2.4 investigate the effect of antibacterial agents on different bacterial cultures (e.g., the effects of antibacterial soap or mouthwash on a bacterial culture) [PR]
c2.5 investigate and analyse the conditions (e.g., optimal temperature) needed by microorganisms for growth [PR, AI]
c3.1 describe the anatomy and morphology of various groups of microorganisms (e.g., eukaryotes, prokaryotes, viruses)
c3.2 explain the differences between the life cycles of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms in terms of cell division
c3.3 explain the vital roles of microorganisms in symbiotic relationships with other organisms (e.g., gut bacteria in cows digest cellulose; mycorrhizal fungi penetrate and effectively extend a plant’s root system)
c3.4 explain the different methods of reproduction in various types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi
c3.5 describe how different viruses, bacteria, and fungi can affect host organisms, and how those effects are normally treated or prevented (e.g., hepatitis viruses can damage the liver, but vaccinations can prevent infections; streptococcus bacteria can cause respiratory infections, which are treated with antibiotics; ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, treated with fungicides)