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SingaporeBiotechnology

Cells and Microorganisms

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you stop unwanted microbes from ruining a culture, and keep yourself safe while handling them?

Describe aseptic technique and methods of sterilisation, and explain why they are essential in biotechnology
A focused answer to the O-Level outcome on aseptic technique. What contamination is, how to work aseptically, the main sterilisation methods, and why sterility matters.
8 min answer →

When you grow bacteria in a flask, how does their number change over time, and what do they need to grow?

Describe the phases of microbial population growth and the conditions microorganisms require to grow
A focused answer to the O-Level outcome on microbial growth. The four phases of a growth curve, the conditions microorganisms need, and how to estimate population size by counting.
9 min answer →

Why are bacteria, yeasts and fungi the favourite living tools of the biotechnology industry?

Describe the main groups of microorganisms used in biotechnology and explain why they are suitable as biological tools
A focused answer to the O-Level outcome on microorganisms as tools. The main groups (bacteria, yeasts, fungi), why they are so useful, and the products they help make.
8 min answer →

How do we see something as small as a cell, and how can we work out its real size from a magnified image?

Describe the use of the light microscope and calculate magnification and actual size from an image
A focused answer to the O-Level outcome on microscopy. Using the light microscope, the magnification equation, and how to calculate the actual size of a cell from a magnified image.
9 min answer →

What are the basic building blocks of all living things, and how do bacterial cells differ from plant and animal cells?

Describe the structure of plant, animal and bacterial cells and identify the functions of their main parts
A focused answer to the O-Level outcome on cell structure. The parts of animal, plant and bacterial cells, what each part does, and the key differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
9 min answer →