---
title: "SMI5: Microbial Molecular Mechanisms (Georgia Science standard)"
code: SMI5
cite_as: Georgia Standards of Excellence, Science, SMI5
subject: science
grades:
  - high-school
language: en
canonical_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SMI5
md_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SMI5.md
alternate_language_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/es/standards/code/SMI5.md
source_url: https://case.georgiastandards.org/ims/case/v1p1/CFDocuments/27a08dc6-416e-11e7-ba71-02bd89fdd987
source_last_changed: 2025-05-29
data_built: 2026-09-18
publisher: Georgia Homeroom, a free public-interest project of Georgia Civic Data. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Georgia Department of Education or any school district.
up: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md
index: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/index.md
---

# SMI5: Microbial Molecular Mechanisms

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying DNA replication, gene expression (transcription and translation), and genetic variation, in microbes.

- Subject: Science
- Appears in: High School, https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md

## Expectations

- **SMI5.a**: Develop and use models to investigate and compare the molecular mechanisms involved in DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- **SMI5.b**: Develop and use models to demonstrate the molecular basis of gene expression (transcription) in microbes.
- **SMI5.c**: Construct explanations on how genetic variations in microbes arise due to mutations and gene transfer (via transformation, transduction, and/or conjugation) and how these genetic variations affect survival and functioning of prokaryotes.
- **SMI5.d**: Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and contrast sexual and asexual reproduction of eukaryotes, asexual reproduction of prokaryotes, and replication of viruses.
- **SMI5.e**: Construct an explanation of how genetic variation can lead to microbial evolution and ultimately how this information impacts modern biotechnological applications.

## Georgia Milestones coverage

No Georgia Milestones blueprint cites this standard.

Source: Georgia Standards of Excellence, published by the Georgia Department of Education at case.georgiastandards.org.