Questions -

1. Provide evidence in support of or refuting the following statement: Microbial life can exist in the complete absence of sunlight or organic nutrients.

2. Provide an example of an organism within each of the four main nutritional categories of microbes and describe how each obtains its essential nutrients.

3. Summarize how the electron transport chain functions to produce ATP in a bacterial cell versus eukaryotic cell. Explain whether or not the term chemiosmosis accurately illustrates this process.

4. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technology that requires high temperatures to reproduce DNA fragments. Explain why the discovery of thermophilic archaea and their associated DNA polymerases was critical to the success of this technique.

5. Each year we see flu shots advertised just about everywhere. Many are required to get them due to their professions. The elderly and children are also advised to get them as they are the greatest at risk. There is a growing concern and movement that has led to the proposal of a bill in Rhode Island that says a child can't attend daycare or pre-kindergarten unless they have received a flu shot. Some believe this could be considered an intrusion into personal liberties. Discuss your thoughts about this issue and if you think this does violate personal liberties. Please be sure to support your stance.