15: Drugs Flashcards
Define a drug
any substance taken into the body that modifies or affects chemical reactions in the body
What is meant by the term antibiotic? [2]
Drug / medicine that kills /stops the growth of bacteria/microbes
Can antibiotics kill viruses? Why or why not? [2]
viruses cannot be killed by antibiotics
- do not GROW AND REPRODUCE in the same way as bacteria, and
- do not have the same STRUCTURE
Describe the use of antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infection. [2]
used to treat bacterial infections
- destroying their cell wall, leading to the cell bursting
- inhibit/prevent the growth of the bacteria
How development of resistant bacteria such as MRSA can be minimised [2]
- using antibiotics only when essential and
- ensuring treatment is completed
Suggest why antibiotics should not be used too often. [2]
- resistant bacteria survive due to natural selection
- eventually, all/many become resistant
- so, antibiotic no longer effective
Explain the possible effects of the X-rays on the bacteria [3]
- X-rays cause mutations
- change in DNA/ genes
- mutation causes antibiotic resistance
Describe the effects of excessive alcohol consumption and abuse of heroin [3]
both are powerful depressant drugs
– effect on reaction times (lower the rate of nerves impulses by blocking synapses)
– self-control: addiction and withdrawal symptoms
– negative social implications, e.g. crime
State effect of injecting heroin
cause infections such as HIV
State the effect of excessive alcohol consumption
can cause liver damage
State the effect of tobacco smoking [3]
can cause
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
- lung cancer
- coronary heart disease
Where does the break down of alcohol and other toxins happens
liver
How does heroin affect the nervous system
lowers the rate of nerves impulses by blocking synapses
= slower reaction time
Describe the effects on the gas exchange system of tobacco smoke and its major toxic components [3]
CO2 - decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood = strain on the heart to supply more
Tar - sticks to cilia in lungs (which transport mucus away from lungs to protect from infections)
= chest infections + narrower airways
Nicotine - high heart rate + blood pressure; release of adrenaline.
Discuss the evidence for the link between smoking and lung cancer
nicotine - causes release of dopamine = addictive
Lung cancer - smoking 85%
cigarette smoke contains toxic chemicals, carcinogens
