Microbes are ubiquitous - Dianne Newman (Cal Tech/HHMI)

Observe a pond water sample containing phototrophs and microorganisms, particularly purple phototrophs that perform photosynthesis using reduced compounds like sulfur, hydrogen, or iron instead of water.

Explain how these photosynthetic microorganisms shaped Earth's geochemistry over time, contributing to atmospheric oxygen evolution and formation of banded iron deposits, demonstrating their importance for alternative energy research.

Identify secondary metabolites and pigments excreted by microorganisms during stationary phase growth, noting that these compounds possess pharmaceutical and antibiotic properties valuable to industry.

View microscope images of Pseudomonas bacteria colonizing tomato root seedlings and forming biofilms on root surfaces, demonstrating beneficial plant-microbe interactions in the soil environment.

Summarize the beneficial roles of rhizosphere microorganisms in protecting plants from fungal pathogens through biocontrol agents and fixing atmospheric nitrogen as natural fertilizer.