---
title: "SMI7: Microorganisms in Biotechnology (Georgia Science standard)"
code: SMI7
cite_as: Georgia Standards of Excellence, Science, SMI7
subject: science
grades:
  - high-school
language: en
canonical_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SMI7
md_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SMI7.md
alternate_language_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/es/standards/code/SMI7.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
---

# SMI7: Microorganisms in Biotechnology

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze the impact of microorganisms in the environment and their uses in biotechnology, agriculture, and industry.

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

## Expectations

- **SMI7.a**: Construct an explanation for the prevalence and diversity of microorganisms in various environments.
- **SMI7.b**: Ask questions to investigate the roles of microorganisms in global nutrient cycling and primary production in soil, fresh water, and marine ecosystems.
- **SMI7.c**: Analyze and interpret data to determine the impact of microorganisms on water and soil quality.
- **SMI7.d**: Construct an argument from evidence to justify the use of microorganisms in industry, agriculture, and biotechnology. * Relate the use of microbes to their rapid growth, ease of genetic manipulation, and accessibility. * Consider bioethical implications of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in biotechnology.

## 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.